This is a re-posting with the material that Barbara posted last week. As she stated in her posting, we need to update our records from time to time in order to further our efforts. The Fourth Generation: William Poythress, son of John Poythress, of Martin's Brandon parish R. Bolling Batte on William Poythress [79 vi. William Poythress was born AFT 1717 in VA [(P_1) DCC].] Family William Poythress was born about 1720, the son of John Poythress and Mary (Hardyman?). He married Sarah and they were known to be of Bertie County, North Carolina, by 1756. His mother, Mary, married John Abington after the death of his father, John Poythress, Jr. Inheritance In Prince George County, the Will of John Poythress, of Martin's Brandon parish, in Prince George County, proved May 12, 1724. I give my son, John Poythress, and his heirs, my plantation where I now live, 100 acres of land, as also 100 acres of land adjoining, called Colebrooks, taking in the Ivy point, so running down Hugh Evans' Spring Bottom to William Stainback's corner poplar, and also I give my said son, John Poythress, and to his heirs, my tract of land lying on the south side of the main Blackwater Swamp, not debarring his brothers, Francis and William Poythress, from getting timber for their plantations' use, as also giving them liberty to drive their stocks of hogs and cattle upon the land, if they shall think fit, and if it should please God to take him out of the world before he comes to the age of 21 years, or without heirs of his body lawfully begotten, then my will and pleasure is that my son, Francis Poythress, should possess all the above said lands as is mentioned, and to his heirs lawfully begotten forever. I give my son, Francis Poythress, and his heirs, land lying at and about the place called Brick Chimneys, binding upon my son, John Poythress', and brother, Thomas Poythress' lands, so round the Deep Bottom, taking in the whole tract or dividend of land, and if it should please God to take him out of the world before he arrives to the age of 21 years, or without heirs of his body lawfully begotten, then my will and pleasure is that my son, William Poythress, should possess all the above said land mentioned, and to his heirs lawfully begotten forever. I give my two sons, John and Francis Poythress, and their heirs, 280 acres, joining to Thomas Poythress' land, so running a south course over the horn branch, and so binding upon John Young's, Dorrel Young's, and John Winningham's land, to be equally divided betwixt my two sons, John and Francis Poythress, and to their heirs forever. I give my son, William Poythress, and his heirs, 150 acres, binding upon Thomas Poythress' and Thomas Lovesay's land, formerly belonging to Joseph Patterson, called Powell's, and if it should please God to take him out of the world before he arrives to the age of 21 years, or without heirs of his body lawfully begotten, then my will and pleasure is that my son, John Poythress, should possess the above mentioned land, and his heirs lawfully begotten forever. I give my son, John Poythress, a small featherbed and furniture, six new rush leather chairs, one chest, one gun, and a mare, a young horse, and the increase of her forever, to him and his heirs for ever. I give my son, Francis Poythress, a small feather bed and furniture, one young mare about three years old, and her increase to him and his heirs for ever. I give my son, William Poythress, a bay mare, and her increase, to him and his heirs for ever. I give my three sons, John, Francis and William Poythress, all my stock of hogs and cattle, to be equally divided amongst them, only what I shall give hereafter unto my loving wife, Mary Poythress, which is four cows and calves, and a parcel of hogs as uses about Colebrooks, about twenty or thirty of them, and my will further is that as much of the stock be disposed of as will be of value sufficient to enter and survey 400 acres of land in the woods, according to the discretion of my executors, for my son, William Poythress, and to be patented in his name, and then the remaining part of the stock to be equally divided between my three sons, John, Francis and William Poythress, and their heirs forever. I give my three sons, John, Francis and William Poythress, my three negroes, Betty, Judy and Grace, and their increase, to be equally divided when my son, William Poythress comes to the age of 18 years, and my will and desire is that my son, John Poythress, should have the aforesaid negroes, with their increase, in his possession, when he shall attain to the age of 21, and there to remain till my son, William, attains to the age of 18 years, then they and their increase to be equally divided between my three sons, John, Francis and William Poythress, and to their heirs lawfully begotten forever. I give my daughter, Rebecca Poythress, my negro man, Tom, and one featherbed and furniture, to her and her heirs for ever. I give my daughter, Elizabeth Poythress, my negro boy, Jamy, to her and her heirs for ever.I give my daughter, Ann Poythress, my negro boy, Will, to her and her heirs for ever. I give my loving wife, Mary Poythress, my negro man, Seipis, one featherbed and furniture, four cows and calves and a parcel of hogs uses about Colebrooks, and all my pewter, brass, and iron, as I am possessed with, and my two working horses, and all the rest of the small matters as is not mentioned in this my last Will and Testament, to her and her heirs for ever. I appoint Robert Poythress and John Woodlief, pastor, my executors of this my last Will and Testament. The witnesses, Francis Epes, Jr., William Stainback and John Winningham. At a Court held at Merchant's Hope for Prince George County, on Tuesday, May 12, 1724, the last Will and testament of John Poythress, deceased, was exhibited into court by Robert Poythress and John Woodlief, his executors, who made oath thereto, and it was proved by the oaths of Francis Epes, William Stainback and John Winningham. And on the motion of the said Robert Poythress and John Woodlief, executors, and their giving Bond and Security according to law, Certificate was granted them for obtaining a probate of the said Will in due form. The Will was recorded, August 11, 1724, at a court at Merchant's Hope, for Prince George County, with an account of personal property items valued at £209/14/5. John Stainback, John Winningham and William Stainback were the appraisers. The 150 acres called Powell's, left to William Poythress, was bought by his father, John Poythress (c. 1681-1724), on November 8, 1720, from Francis Poythress, John's uncle. The land that was inherited by John Poythress' son, John Poythress, was possibly bought by John Poythress (c. 1681-1724), on October 23, 1703, and on September 5, 1723. On December 13, 1726, in the Prince George County court, the inventory of the estate of Captain John Poythress, deceased, was valued at £130/12/8. The executors of the Will were Robert Poythress and John Woodlief. The legatees were Mary, his wife, Rebecca, his daughter, Elizabeth, his daughter, Colonel William Randolph, Captain Richard Randolph and John Fitzgerald, among others.

State of Georgia. By His Excellence Jared Irwin, Governor and Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of this state and of the Militia thereof. To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting: Know ye, that in pursuance of an act of the General Assembly, passed on the 26th day of June, 1826, for making distribution of land in counties of Wilkinson and Baldwin, I have given and granted, and by these presents, in the name and behalf of this State, do give and grant, unto Thomas Poythress' Orphans, of Burke County, their heirs and assigns forever, all that Tract or Lot of Land, containing two hundred two and one half acres, situate, lying, and being in the Twenty second District of Wilkinson County in the said State which said tract or lot of land is not only distinguished in the plan of said district by number forty four having such shape, form, and marks as appear by a plat of the same hereunto annexed: To have and to hold the said Tract or Lot, together with all and singular, the rights, members, and appurtenances thereof, whatsoever, unto the said Thomas Poythress' Orphans their heirs and assigns; to them and their proper use, benefit, and behoof for ever in fee simple. Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the said State, this eighth day of May in the year 1809 and of the Independence of America the thirty third. Signed by His Excellence the governor, this 8th day of May 1809). Jared Irwin, James Bozeman, S. E. D. Registered the 8th day of May 1809. [Note: the above, with minor variations, is a common format for a lottery grant].

1807 Lottery - This lottery, together with the one in 1805, completed the opening of the large valley area between the Oconee and the Ocmulgee Rivers. In 1807, the first meeting of the Georgia Legislature took place at the new capital of Milledgeville in Baldwin County, another part of the westward thrust of settlement. Land awarded in the 1807 Lottery was the remaining parts of Baldwin and Wilkinson Counties and Wayne County. Name County Mil.Dist. Dist./Lot Drew Land Poythress, Thomas (Orphans of) Burke Sharp's 22/44 Wilkinson Poythress, Francis (Orphans of) Hancock Coffee's 24/290 Wilkinson Poythress, Elizabeth Hancock Coffee's 6/31 Wilkinson Grant award #209 of 22nd District of Wilkinson County. All of District 22 is in present Laurens County. Grant was taken up and deed issued May 8, 1809. It is 99.9% certain we will not find the downstream transfer of this deed. Wilkinson is one of Georgia's most completely "burned" counties.

In 1803, Martha, George and Edward Poythress registered for the 1805 (1st) Georgia land lottery. On November 11, 1803, in Burke County, Sheriff's sale, first Tuesday in September next, courthouse in Waynesborough, one Negro boy named Stephney; taken by virtue of an execution, William Duefto versus George Poythress, administrator of Thomas Poythress. The 1805 lottery listed the names of every person who entered. Registration in 1803 for this drawing was a fairly good, although incomplete "proxy" for an 1803 census of Georgia. In the later lotteries, with a few exceptions, only the winners were listed. Land awarded in the 1805 lottery was then Baldwin and Wilkinson County. Name Reg.# Prize or Blank Registrant's County Poythress, Edward 47 B B Burke Poythress, George 65 B Burke Poythress, Martha 50 B B Burke Poythress, Francis 613 B B Hancock Poythress, Meredith 968 B B Screven Poythress, William 967 B B Screven

Personal Property and Land In 1782, the personal property list, of Brunswick County, listed Thomas Poythress and Meredith Poythress and six slaves, also 6 horses and 18 cattle. On November 6, 1787, Isham Randle and Frances Randle of Brunswick County, sold to Edward Drumgold, of Brunswick County, 50 acres, in Brunswick County, adjoining William Warrick, generally known by the name of Randle's Ordinary, Benjamin Britt and Edward Drumgold, on the Pitch Landing Road, in the head of Bennett's great branch. The witnesses, William Finch, Thomas Poythress and George Walton. At the Brunswick County Court, April 28, 1788, the indenture was proved by the oaths of William Finch and George Walton, having been proved on January 28, 1788, by the oath of Thomas Poythress, also a witness. In 1788, in Brunswick County, in the personal property tax records, Thomas Poythress was listed for 1 tithe. On August 12, 1791, Thomas and Sally Clary, of Brunswick County, sold to Thomas Poythress, of Brunswick County, 85 acres, in Brunswick County, bounded as follows (detailed description of land boundaries). [Note: the transaction appeared in the 1791 land tax records. This deed showed this Thomas with a wife named Martha]. In 1792, in Brunswick County, Proprietor Name #acres rates total value amt tax Thomas Poythress 35 3/7 36_9_9 _10-10 On March 20, 1794, in Brunswick County, Thomas Poythress witness to Moseley_Bass indenture. This Indenture made March 20, 1794, between Isaac Moseley and Selah, his wife, of Brunswick County, of the one part, and John Hicks Bass, of the said County, of the other part, for and in consideration of the sum of £32 doth grant bargain sell alien release and confirm unto the said John Hicks Bass one certain tract or parcel of land containing 52½ acres by estimation lying and being in Brunswick County and bounded as follows, Viz: beginning on Eaton's Road at a red oak thence S 34 W 9 chains 25 links along Moseley's line to a white oak corner thence N 76 W 9 chains 40 links at an inside red oak corner thence S 29 W 18 chains to a small saplin corner on Frederick Cooks line thence along said Cook's line N 61 W 10 chains to a B. Jack corner thence along said Cooks line and Daniel Whites line N 10 W 65 chains to a corner on said Whites line at the road thence along the road S 70 E 36 chains to B. Jack thence along Mosely line N 33 E 183 chains to a B. Jack corner on Grief Harwell's line thence S 6 E 12 chains 75 links to hiccory corner on said Harwell's line thence N __ E 621 chains to a red oak corner on Bass's line thence S 30½ E 675 chains _____ said John Bass's line to turkey oak corner on Mosely's road thence S 84 E 102 chains to the beginning. Signed by Isaac Mosley and Selah Moseley. Witnessed by John Gholson, Harrison Barner and Thomas Poythress. Brunswick County Court, April 28th 1794. This Indenture of Bargain and Sale between Isaac Moseley and Selah his wife of the one part and John Hicks Bass of the other part was acknowledged by the said Isaac to be his act and deed and ordered to be recorded. No Poythresses were mentioned in the tax records for 1795 in Brunswick County. The below mentioned property was roughly 5 miles due south of Ft. Christanna on Rattlesnake Creek. This Indenture made August 20, 1795, between Thomas Poythress, of Brunswick County, of the one part, and George Hicks, of the same County, of the other part, witnesseth that for and in consideration of the sum of £50 Current Money of Virginia to me in hand paid by the said George Hicks the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge have bargained and sold and confirmed and by these presents doth bargain, sell and confirm unto the said George Hicks and his heirs forever one certain tract or parcel of land containing 85 acres more or less lying and being in the County aforesaid and is bounded as follows, to wit: beginning at Wesson's corner white oak on Rattlesnake Creek the white oak being down have made a corner of a hickory thence by his line to a corner hiccory thence by George Hearn's line West to a corner red oak on John Seward's line thence by the said John Seward's line to a corner sweet gum on the said Creek as aforesaid thence by the meanders of the said Creek to the beginning to have and to hold the said land and other premises to the said George Hicks and his heirs forever against the claim and demand of him the said Thomas Poythress and his heirs forever against the claim of every other person or persons forever unto the said George Hicks and to his heirs forever. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and date first above written. Sealed, signed and delivered. Thomas Poythress (L. S.). In the presents of Christopher Thrower, Henry Mangum, James Harrison, Jr., and John Green. Order prepared, August 28, 1795. Washington and Fletcher ordered to secure relief of dower indenture on above property from spouse, Martha Poythress. On September 28, 1795, in Brunswick County Court, this Indenture of bargain and sale was acknowledged by Thomas Poythress party thereto to be his act and deed and ordered to be recorded. Teste, C. B. Jones, Clerk of Brunswick Court. In 1796, Brunswick County personal property tax records show Thomas Poythress. No tithe listed, 2 slaves over 16, 2 horses. In 1789-1795 Brunswick Personal property tax shows Thomas Poythress listed: one tithe. In 1797, in Brunswick County, no Poythress was mentioned. In 1798, in Brunswick County, no Poythress was mentioned. In 1798, no entries for Thomas Poythress are found in Brunswick County personal property tax records. Thomas Poythress must have left Brunswick County by mid-1797, at the latest early 1798. On October 1, 1798, in Burke County, Georgia, Thomas Poythress appeared in the tax records. As Witness On November 6, 1787, Isham Randle and Frances Randle of Brunswick County, sold to Edward Drumgold, of Brunswick County, 50 acres, in Brunswick County, adjoining William Warrick, generally known by the name of Randle's Ordinary, Benjamin Britt and Edward Drumgold, on the Pitch Landing Road, in the head of Bennett's great branch. The witnesses were William Finch, Thomas Poythress and George Walton. At the Brunswick County Court, April 28, 1788, the indenture was proved by the oaths of William Finch and George Walton, having been proved on January 28, 1788, by the oath of Thomas Poythress, also a witness. After Thomas Poythress' Death On November 10, 1800, in Burke County, Georgia, the administrators of Thomas Poythress were listed as George Poythress and Patsy Poythress. On November 18, 1800, in Burke County, Georgia, letters of administration on the estate of Thomas Poythress, deceased, were granted George Poythress and Patsy Poythress. On March 7, 1801, in Burke County, "Will be sold at public auction 15 April next, Waynesborough, 2 horses belonging to the estate of Thomas Poythress, deceased, etc., by Geo. Poythress, Administrator." On May 1, 1801, in Burke County, notices of sales of property by the Burke County sheriff; property of Thomas Poythress, deceased, taxes in default.

This is the last of the Virginia Poythress postings. The Fifth Generation: Thomas Poythress, Jr. Family Thomas Poythress, Jr., known also as Esquire and Sheriff, was born about 1756, the son of Thomas Poythress (c. 1729-1790s?). His wife, Martha, died after 1805. Two of his children were Thomas Poythress, Jr., and Martha Elizabeth Amanda Poythress. He died in October 1800, in Burke County, Georgia. Son, Thomas Poythress Thomas Poythress was born about 1780. Thomas Poythress, 1830, Charleston Co., S. C., St. Thomas/St. Dennis Parish, p. 193, 1 m 40-49, 2 f 10-14, 1 f 15-19, 1 f 40-49, 10 m slaves under 10, 15 m slaves 10-23, 10 m slaves 24-35, 10 m slaves 36-54, 8 m slaves 55-99, 10 f slaves under 10, 10 f slaves 10-23, 12 f slaves 24-35, 9 f slaves 36-54, 11 f slaves 55-99. Thomas Poythress b. 1781-1790 1 F 40-49 b. 1781-1790 1 F 15-19 b. 1811-1815 2 F 10-14 b. 1816-1820 Daughter, Martha Elizabeth Amanda Poythress Martha Elizabeth Amanda Poythress was born January 26, 1786, in Virginia. She died October 5, 1861, in Georgia. She married a Dixon and an Odom. She was approximately six years younger than her brother, Thomas Poythress. Professional Life Before July 15, 1781, in Brunswick County, Joseph Prince against Thomas Poythress, Jr. and Thomas Poythress, Sr., debtors Francis Mallory, special bail and judgement confessed for 3,000 pounds inspected tobacco at pitch landing with interest from December 25, 1782, and the books and by consent the execution of this judgment is stayed 3 months. The entry implies that in 1781, in Brunswick County, there were two Thomas Poythresses, both of legal age and associated economically. In April, 1782, in Brunswick County, Thomas Poythress in proceedings of Virginia Revolutionary Public Claims. (Court date not given, date above extrapolated from preceding and following court dates). A return of the proceedings of the Brunswick County court under an act entitled "an Act for adjusting claims for property impressed or taken for the public service." James Quarles: 1 pair stirrup irons and leathers, 1 girth and 1 crupper taken by Thomas Poythress who was assigned in impressing horses under Paschall. In 1783, in Brunswick County, Thomas Poythress was listed under "Co. Commissaries, Impressment Officers" for Revolutionary War Service. On October 21, 1799, Thomas Poythress was elected Sheriff of Burke County, Georgia. On October 28, 1799, Thomas Poythress, along with Thomas Poythress, Jr., George Poythress and Edward Poythress signed a petition on behalf of Leonard Nobles, asking Georgia Governor, James Jackson, to pardon the death sentence. "Burke County, Georgia, Petition asking for Pardon for Leonard Nobles, Jr., 1799. To his Excellency James Jackson esquire Governor and commander in Chief in and over the State of Georgia and of Militia & Army & Navy there of. The petition of the Subscribers Inhabitants of the County of Burke in the said State, Most Respectfully Sheweth. That having understood Leonard Nobles is at present confined in the Jail of Screven County and under Sentence of Death.....they are induced from Motives of Humanity, and in consideration of his extreme age and helpless Family to Solicit your Interposition in his favor and that your Excellency....granting him a pardon for the above mentioned Offence; and they as duty Bound will ever pray, etc. Burke County, 28th October 1799. Signers: 50 individuals, including.. Thomas Poythress, Geo. Poythress, Edward Poythress, Thomas Poythress, Jr. On April 29, 1800, in Georgia Military Affairs, Thomas Poythress, Sheriff of Burke County, Georgia, testified at a court of inquiry into the conduct of Major William Wynne, who was charged with not keeping a guard over the jail in Waynesborough, allowing the escape of one, Anthony Disto, "confined for murder." On May 6, 1800, in Screven County, Thomas Poythress, Sheriff of Burke County, Georgia, to Barbara Vince, widow, (highest bidder $300) by suit of James Henderson versus estate of Jacob Griner. The witnesses were George Poythress and John Mobley. On October 9, 1800, in Burke County, Georgia, Presentment of the Grand Jury: "In Court, October 9, 1800, the grand jury brought in their presentments as follows: Burke County, October term, We the grand jurors for the body of the county aforesaid do make the following presentments: Item # 6, we present Thomas Poythress, Esquire, Sheriff of this county, acting as gaoler, for neglect of duty. [note: Thomas Poythress died in October of 1800]. Court Cases October 28, 1782, in Brunswick County, court order against the defendants and Thomas Poythress, as security, for their appearance. Joseph Prince, plaintiff, against Thomas Poythress and Clement Mallory, in debt, conditional order against the defendants and Thomas Poythress, as security, for their appearance. In November, 1782, court order, attachment on all of the estate of the defendant in the hands of Thomas Poythress, et al. Gideon Harris, plaintiff, against Thomas Wagnon defendant, on an attachment...The said attachment returned being executed on all of the estate of the defendant that might be in the hands of Thomas Poythress, Daniel Wagnon and Briggs Goodrich that they were summoned as garnishees and the defendant not appearing judgement was awarded against the said defendant for £7 with interest from the nineteenth day of June last due by bond, also for £3 which the plaintiff made appear to be due on account and the books of the said Thomas Poythress and Daniel Wagnon declared as follows: the said Daniel Wagnon made oath he had nothing of the defendant's in his hand and the said Thomas Poythress declared that he was indebted to the defendant the sum of £20 with interest from the 24th August. It was therefore ordered that the said Thomas Poythress do pay and satisfy this judgement and costs to the plaintiff. (no year date on this document but it may be assumed that it follows the previous document by a short period, perhaps a month; i.e. from Oct. 1782). In December, 1782, court order, attachment on the property of Thomas Poythress, Jr., in the hands of Thomas Poythress, Daniel Wagnon, Benjamin Jackson. Phillip Mallory, plaintiff, against Thomas Poythress, Jr., defendant, as an attachment...The said attachment being returned executed on a field of corn, a potato patch, and a parcel of fodder, and also on all the estate of the defendant that might be in the hands of Thomas Poythress, Daniel Wagnon, and Benjamin Jackson, that they were summoned as garnishees and the defendant not appearing on the motion of the plaintiff by his attorney, judgement was awarded him against the defendant for £7/12/0 with interest from the ___ ___ and the ____ and it was ordered that the Sheriff do sell the attached affects and apply the money arising from the sale towards satisfying this judgment and the said Wagnon being sworn declared that he had in his possession a note of hand due from Amos Naring to the defendant for £2/10/0 due on the 8th instant. It was therefore ordered that the said Amos Naring do pay the same to the plaintiff towards satisfying the residue of this judgment and this attachment was continued for the other garnishees. Notes: In the abbreviation following the name of Thomas Poythress, it was unclear whether it was Jr. or Sr. "Jr." was the likelier text. In any case, there was a Thomas Poythress, father and son, living in Brunswick County. No year date was furnished in this document but it most likely followed the previous court order by a short time, likely a matter of a month or more. Civic Activities On March 30, 1789, Thomas Poythress, for removing Henry Woodward at a meeting of the Overseers of the Poor at the courthouse, from St. Andrews parish Vestry Book, of Brunswick County, Virginia.

This is a re-posting with the material that Barbara posted last week. As she stated in her posting, we need to update our records from time to time in order to further our efforts. The Fourth Generation: William Poythress, son of John Poythress, of Martin's Brandon parish R. Bolling Batte on William Poythress [79 vi. William Poythress was born AFT 1717 in VA [(P_1) DCC].] Family William Poythress was born about 1720, the son of John Poythress and Mary (Hardyman?). He married Sarah and they were known to be of Bertie County, North Carolina, by 1756. His mother, Mary, married John Abington after the death of his father, John Poythress, Jr. Inheritance In Prince George County, the Will of John Poythress, of Martin's Brandon parish, in Prince George County, proved May 12, 1724. I give my son, John Poythress, and his heirs, my plantation where I now live, 100 acres of land, as also 100 acres of land adjoining, called Colebrooks, taking in the Ivy point, so running down Hugh Evans' Spring Bottom to William Stainback's corner poplar, and also I give my said son, John Poythress, and to his heirs, my tract of land lying on the south side of the main Blackwater Swamp, not debarring his brothers, Francis and William Poythress, from getting timber for their plantations' use, as also giving them liberty to drive their stocks of hogs and cattle upon the land, if they shall think fit, and if it should please God to take him out of the world before he comes to the age of 21 years, or without heirs of his body lawfully begotten, then my will and pleasure is that my son, Francis Poythress, should possess all the above said lands as is mentioned, and to his heirs lawfully begotten forever. I give my son, Francis Poythress, and his heirs, land lying at and about the place called Brick Chimneys, binding upon my son, John Poythress', and brother, Thomas Poythress' lands, so round the Deep Bottom, taking in the whole tract or dividend of land, and if it should please God to take him out of the world before he arrives to the age of 21 years, or without heirs of his body lawfully begotten, then my will and pleasure is that my son, William Poythress, should possess all the above said land mentioned, and to his heirs lawfully begotten forever. I give my two sons, John and Francis Poythress, and their heirs, 280 acres, joining to Thomas Poythress' land, so running a south course over the horn branch, and so binding upon John Young's, Dorrel Young's, and John Winningham's land, to be equally divided betwixt my two sons, John and Francis Poythress, and to their heirs forever. I give my son, William Poythress, and his heirs, 150 acres, binding upon Thomas Poythress' and Thomas Lovesay's land, formerly belonging to Joseph Patterson, called Powell's, and if it should please God to take him out of the world before he arrives to the age of 21 years, or without heirs of his body lawfully begotten, then my will and pleasure is that my son, John Poythress, should possess the above mentioned land, and his heirs lawfully begotten forever. I give my son, John Poythress, a small featherbed and furniture, six new rush leather chairs, one chest, one gun, and a mare, a young horse, and the increase of her forever, to him and his heirs for ever. I give my son, Francis Poythress, a small feather bed and furniture, one young mare about three years old, and her increase to him and his heirs for ever. I give my son, William Poythress, a bay mare, and her increase, to him and his heirs for ever. I give my three sons, John, Francis and William Poythress, all my stock of hogs and cattle, to be equally divided amongst them, only what I shall give hereafter unto my loving wife, Mary Poythress, which is four cows and calves, and a parcel of hogs as uses about Colebrooks, about twenty or thirty of them, and my will further is that as much of the stock be disposed of as will be of value sufficient to enter and survey 400 acres of land in the woods, according to the discretion of my executors, for my son, William Poythress, and to be patented in his name, and then the remaining part of the stock to be equally divided between my three sons, John, Francis and William Poythress, and their heirs forever. I give my three sons, John, Francis and William Poythress, my three negroes, Betty, Judy and Grace, and their increase, to be equally divided when my son, William Poythress comes to the age of 18 years, and my will and desire is that my son, John Poythress, should have the aforesaid negroes, with their increase, in his possession, when he shall attain to the age of 21, and there to remain till my son, William, attains to the age of 18 years, then they and their increase to be equally divided between my three sons, John, Francis and William Poythress, and to their heirs lawfully begotten forever. I give my daughter, Rebecca Poythress, my negro man, Tom, and one featherbed and furniture, to her and her heirs for ever. I give my daughter, Elizabeth Poythress, my negro boy, Jamy, to her and her heirs for ever.I give my daughter, Ann Poythress, my negro boy, Will, to her and her heirs for ever. I give my loving wife, Mary Poythress, my negro man, Seipis, one featherbed and furniture, four cows and calves and a parcel of hogs uses about Colebrooks, and all my pewter, brass, and iron, as I am possessed with, and my two working horses, and all the rest of the small matters as is not mentioned in this my last Will and Testament, to her and her heirs for ever. I appoint Robert Poythress and John Woodlief, pastor, my executors of this my last Will and Testament. The witnesses, Francis Epes, Jr., William Stainback and John Winningham. At a Court held at Merchant's Hope for Prince George County, on Tuesday, May 12, 1724, the last Will and testament of John Poythress, deceased, was exhibited into court by Robert Poythress and John Woodlief, his executors, who made oath thereto, and it was proved by the oaths of Francis Epes, William Stainback and John Winningham. And on the motion of the said Robert Poythress and John Woodlief, executors, and their giving Bond and Security according to law, Certificate was granted them for obtaining a probate of the said Will in due form. The Will was recorded, August 11, 1724, at a court at Merchant's Hope, for Prince George County, with an account of personal property items valued at £209/14/5. John Stainback, John Winningham and William Stainback were the appraisers. The 150 acres called Powell's, left to William Poythress, was bought by his father, John Poythress (c. 1681-1724), on November 8, 1720, from Francis Poythress, John's uncle. The land that was inherited by John Poythress' son, John Poythress, was possibly bought by John Poythress (c. 1681-1724), on October 23, 1703, and on September 5, 1723. On December 13, 1726, in the Prince George County court, the inventory of the estate of Captain John Poythress, deceased, was valued at £130/12/8. The executors of the Will were Robert Poythress and John Woodlief. The legatees were Mary, his wife, Rebecca, his daughter, Elizabeth, his daughter, Colonel William Randolph, Captain Richard Randolph and John Fitzgerald, among others. Guardian of William Poythress On March 13, 1739, in the Prince George County court, on the complaints of William Poythress, one of the orphans of John Poythress, of Jordan's, deceased, who was bound as apprentice to Robert Simpson, of this county, for misusage and which complaints appeared to be just the said William was discharged from the apprenticeship and chose Charles Irby, his guardian, who had time until the next court to appear and give bond and security. Property: Land (Possibly William Poythress, son of John Poythress, Jr., (c. 1681-1724), as he was to have 400 acres bought for him as per his father's Will). On March 24, 1735, William Poythress, Gentleman, was granted 400 acres near Sapponi Chappel, in Prince George County, adjoining Robert Bolling, by the side of the Nottaway River Road, crossing Stephen's Branch. On September 25, 1746, John Wagnon, 576 acres, in Prince George County, on the south side of Stoney Creek, adjoining Robert Bolling, the land purchased of William Poythress, by the side of the Nottoway River Road, 400 acres part thereof being formerly granted unto William Poythress by our letters patent bearing date March 24, 1734, the right and title of which the 400 acres has become vested in John Wagnon, and 176 acres the residue never before granted. [note: Poythress appears frequently hereafter in the Wagnon family as a middle name; even into Burke and Green Counties, Georgia]. On September 8, 1753, in Bertie County, North Carolina, William Poythress, of Bertie County, purchased 100 acres on Jumping Run adjacent to John Harrell. On December 8, 1755, in Bertie County, North Carolina, Peter Hays and wife, Bether [Butrice?], sold 100 acres to Thomas Hays for £10 on the south side of Cashy Swamp. The witnesses were William Poythress, George Vann and John Bryan. On October 21, 1756, in Bertie County, North Carolina, William Poythress, of Bertie County, in North Carolina, and wife, Sarah, sold 100 acres to Matthew Turner, of Bertie County, in North Carolina, adjoining Gristock, over Jumping Run in the fork, adjoining John Harrell, to the first station, it being out of a deed granted to Thomas Page, the said deed bearing date 1753. Sarah Poythress, the wife of William Poythress, freely surrendered all her right of dower. The witnesses were Henry Averet and George House. On December 16, 1756, in Bertie County, North Carolina, Edward Boyd and wife, Abigale, of Society Parish, sold 200 acres to Samuel Jobe for £16, land granted Barnaby Bryant, December 13, 1755. The witnesses were William Poythress and James Abington. On October 9, 1764, William Poythress, of Hertford County, sold 140 acres, in Bertie County, between the lines of William and Thomas Outlaw. In February, 1764, in Bertie County, North Carolina, William Poythress was ordered to serve on the grand jury. The same court allowed him to keep a tavern at his dwelling house. In June, 1765, in Bertie County, North Carolina, he won a judgement for £6, 5 shillings, against William Bryan in the Bertie County court. In December, 1768, William Poythress made a Northampton County deed of gift of household goods to Richard Outlaw for affection he had for Rachel Outlaw. In 1779, William Poythress was taxed on 150 acres in the 4th District of Hertford County, North Carolina. (Hertford County was formed in 1759 from parts of Bertie, Chowan and Northampton Counties). In 1779, William Poythress appeared in Hertford County, North Carolina. In 1782, William Poythress was taxed on 200 acres in the 4th District of Hertford County, North Carolina. In 1787, William Poythress appeared in Freemans District, Bertie County, North Carolina. This may be the son of William and Sarah Poythress, and the grandson of John Poythress, Jr.: Bertie County, North Carolina, Marriage Bond: September 27, 1785. William Poythress and Anna Lewis. Henry Averett.

Maynard and I have dissected Thomas Poythress, Sr., and Thomas Poythress, Jr., for quite a while. Two of the main questions in the lives of these two men is when each man left Virginia and who it was that was married to Martha. According to the many subpoenas and the testimony given in the court records of Brunswick County, Thomas Poythress, Sr., left Virginia in 1785, when he was approximately 56 years old. No wife was mentioned in the sale of land by Thomas Poythress, Sr., in 1773. Martha Elizabeth Amanda Poythress was born in Virginia on January 26,1786. The most likely man to be her father was Thomas Poythress, Jr. (c. 1756-1800). Her brother, Thomas Poythress, of Charleston County, South Carolina, was born about 1780. If things are as they appear, these two siblings, Martha and Thomas, were the children of Martha and Thomas. The court records from Brunswick County, transcribed by Barbara, have provided a lot of information about Thomas Poythress and the land in question. From our conversations, I have learned that there may be a lot more material in the Brunswick County courthouse that has not been researched. The Fourth Generation: Thomas Poythress, Sr., of Martin's Brandon, in Prince George County Family Thomas Poythress was born by 1729, the son of Thomas Poythress. His sons were (1) Thomas (c. 1756-10/1800); (2) Meredith (c. 1760-c. 1839), who married (1st) Edith Cleaton, the daughter of William C. Cleaton and Jane Poole and (2nd) Mrs. Hester Wilder Mock, the daughter of William Henry Wilder and Mary Butts; (3) George Poythress (c. 1765-7/1832), who married (1st) Harriett Carter, the daughter of Alexander Carter and (2nd) Mary Turner Lawson; (4) Edward (c. 1769-aft. 6/1825); (5) Lewis (c. 1770-bef. 1850), who married (1st) Elizabeth Patsy Giles, the daughter of Henry Edward Giles, and (2nd) Rebecca B. Taylor; and, possibly (6) William Poythress. Thomas was living in Greene County, Georgia, as late as 1789 but appears to have been deceased by 1799. Thomas Poythress' father, Thomas Poythress, was born about 1683, in Charles City County, Virginia, the son of Major Francis Poythress and Rebecca Coggin. He died before May 16, 1749, in Prince George County, Virginia. The executor of his Will was Captain Joshua Poythress. On May 16, 1749, in Surry County, upon the attachment obtained by Peter Poythress and Elizabeth Poythress, executors, &c., of Robert Poythress, deceased, and Joshua Poythress, executor of Thomas Poythress, deceased, against the estate of Thomas Sessom who has privately removed himself or so absconded that the ordinary process of law cannot be served on him for a debt of £62/1/4 current money due to the plaintiff from the said defendants. This day came the plaintiff by their attorney and the Sheriff having made return that he had executed the said Writ in the hands of Richard Hill and had summoned him to appear whereupon he the aforesaid Hill being solemnly called but made default and it appearing to the court that there is due to the plaintiff £10/11/8½ from the said defendant. Therefore it was that the plaintiff recover the aforesaid sum of £10/11/8½ against the said Richard Hill together with interest for the same after the rate of five Centum per annum to be computed from May 4, 1749, to the time of payment and their costs by them expended and the said defendant in mercy &c. Joshua Poythress, son of Joshua Poythress, and cousin of Thomas Poythress, was the executor of Thomas Poythress' (1683-1749) Will. Peter Poythress and his mother, Elizabeth, were the executors of Robert Poythress' Will. Peter Poythress was a son of Robert Poythress. On May 15, 1750, in Surry County, attachment was obtained by Peter and Elizabeth Poythress, executors of Robert Poythress, deceased, and Joshua Poythress, executor of Thomas Poythress, deceased, against the estate of Thomas Sisson. Thomas Sisson may have been a relative of Elizabeth Sisson (c. 1700-1773) who married Thomas Raines (1695-bef. 1757). In May, 1751, in Surry County, Joshua Poythress, assignee of Robert and Thomas Poythress, who were assignees of Thomas Eldridge, Gentleman, plaintiffs against Francis Hutchings, defendant in debt. The defendant being arrested and now called and not appearing it was therefore considered that the plaintiff recover against the said defendant and William Longbottom his Security for his appearance the debt in the declaration mentioned amounting to £__ and his costs by him in this behalf expended unless the defendant shall appear at the next court and plead. Thomas Eldridge was married to Judith Kennon (1692-1759), the daughter of Richard Kennon and Elizabeth Worsham. In July, 1751, Joshua Poythress, assignee of Robert and Thomas Poythress, who were assignees of Thomas Eldridge, plaintiff, against Francis Hutchings, defendant in debt. The case was discontinued and by consent of the defendant it was ordered that he pay unto the plaintiff his costs, issued August 27, 1752, tobacco costs 107 pounds. Professional Life In 1779, the U. S. Treasury offered to exchange new bills for presumably counterfeit old paper money. Many Virginians made this exchange, in whole or in part, to the Virginia Continental Loan office in 1779 and 1780. The exchange could be for new money, applied to loans, or applied to taxes. The records of exchangers and the amount exchanged provides a short proxy census of Virginia in 1779: Name County Entry # Amt. Deposited Poythress, William Prince George 1019 $120 Poythress, Peter Prince George 1262 $311 Poythress, Joshua Prince George 1500 $484 Poythress, Thomas Brunswick 3765 $38 On October 2, 1780, in Brunswick County, balance of a Bond due to Thomas Poythress "in payment of the estate of Barnett Randall to the balance of a Bond to Thomas Poythress for £13/18/19 dated October 2, 1780, depreciation at 7.3 forever." Before July 15, 1781, in Brunswick County, Joseph Prince against Thomas Poythress, Jr., and Thomas Poythress, Sr., debtors, Francis Mallory, special bail and judgement confessed for 3,000 pounds inspected tobacco at pitch landing with interest from December 25, 1782, and the books and by consent the execution of this judgment is stayed 3 months. In 1781, in Brunswick County, there were two Thomas Poythresses, both of legal age and associated economically. Civic Activities On July 2, 1759, in the Prince George County court, the Dower of Mary Binford, widow of Joseph Peoples, deceased. George Noble, Thomas Poythress, Joseph Carter and Holmes Boisseau. The report was returned October 9, 1759. On July 11, 1759, by order of the court of Prince George County, Mary Binford, widow of Joseph Peeples, had been assigned her third of his estate (£38/5/11), by George Noble, Thomas Poythress, Joseph Carter and Holmes Boisseau. On August 22, 1782, in Brunswick County, John Morris and Elizabeth Edwards, daughter of Thomas Edwards, deceased. Surety: Meredith Poythress, who made affidavit that Elizabeth Edwards lived at the home of his father, Thomas Poythress, and was 23 years of age. The witness was Griffin Stith. Court Cases In 1763, in Dinwiddie County, the charges were denominated in pounds of tobacco, for which it was likely warehouse receipts were used to pay the bill. Reece Brewer, Brunswick County, E P and G B to pay. January, 1763, executive order, &c., versus T. Poythress. April 5, 1763, executive order, &c. The County, March 30, 1763, for attending a called court for examination of Thomas Poythress. Thomas Twitty, Brunswick County, February, 1763, dismissed versus Pittillo, file papers; attorney ads Dance, assignee of Poythress, Order for Imparlance, copy Writ and returned, declaration. Thomas Poythress and Francis Eppes, February, 1763, attorney ads E. Featherstone. Stephen Dance, assignee of Thomas Poythress, February, 1763, Capias versus Twitty, docketing, attorney Bill returned, declaration, continuance, [June Order, copy plea, report - crossed out]. Thomas Gray, February, 1763, Capias versus T. Poythress, docketing, attorney, declaration, Order, copy, attorney, recording returned. June, 1763, Order versus Welch, copy plea, report. October, 1763, dismissed, papers, continuance versus T. Poythress. October, 1763, dismissed, file papers. Matthew Marrable, assignee of Thomas Poythress, Lunenburg County, February, 1763, Subpoena for witness against Hightower. May, 1763, continuance. Thomas Ross, assignee of Thomas Poythress, who was assignee of Edwards Featherstone, petition, &c., and judgement versus Wagnon, attorney, executive order, &c. Francis Hamlin, assignee of Thomas Poythress, April, 1763, Capias versus Welch, docketing, attorney, Bill returned, continuance, copy plea, report. On June 7, 1779, John Parker, of Brunswick County, sold to Henry Maclin, of Brunswick County, for £150, 100 acres, in Brunswick County, it being part of a tract of 200 acres to be divided between John Parker and Thomas Parker, lying on both sides of Sturgeon Creek and adjoining Henry Briggs, John Mitchel and Jane Parker. The indenture was witnessed by John Haskins, Catharine Trotter, Joseph Maclin, Elizabeth Maclin and Ann Poythress. On September 28, 1779, in the Brunswick County court, Thomas Poythress, plaintiff, versus George Lewis, defendant, in trespass, dismissed for want of prosecution. Estimated 1781-1783, in Brunswick County, Douglas Wilkins against Thomas Poythress, Charles Williams and Thomas Cleaton, debtors. The debt Poythress acknowledged the persons actions to be just. Therefore it was considered by the court that the person recover. On October 7, 1782, in Brunswick County, judgement was granted Nathaniel Hobbs against Thomas Poythress, against 4,500 pounds tobacco with interest from May 15, 1781. On October 28, 1782, in Brunswick County, court order against the defendants and Thomas Poythress, as security, for their appearance. Joseph Prince, plaintiff, against Thomas Poythress and Clement Mallory, in debt, conditional order against the defendants and Thomas Poythress, as security, for their appearance. In November, 1782, court order, attachment on all of the estate of the defendant in the hands of Thomas Poythress, et al. Gideon Harris, plaintiff, against Thomas Wagnon defendant, on an attachment. The said attachment returned being executed on all of the estate of the defendant that might be in the hands of Thomas Poythress, Daniel Wagnon and Briggs Goodrich that they were summoned as garnishees and the defendant not appearing judgement was awarded against the said defendant for £7 with interest from the nineteenth day of June last due by bond, also for £3 which the plaintiff made appear to be due on account and the books of the said Thomas Poythress and Daniel Wagnon declared as follows: the said Daniel Wagnon made oath he had nothing of the defendant's in his hand and the said Thomas Poythress declared that he was indebted to the defendant the sum of £20 with interest from the 24th August. It was therefore ordered that the said Thomas Poythress do pay and satisfy this judgement and costs to the plaintiff. (no year date on this document but it may be assumed that it follows the previous document by a short period, perhaps a month; i.e. from Oct. 1782). In December, 1782, court order, attachment on the property of Thomas Poythress, Jr., in the hands of Thomas Poythress, Daniel Wagnon, Benjamin Jackson. Phillip Mallory, plaintiff, against Thomas Poythress, Jr., defendant, as an attachment. The said attachment being returned executed on a field of corn, a potato patch, and a parcel of fodder, and also on all the estate of the defendant that might be in the hands of Thomas Poythress, Daniel Wagnon, and Benjamin Jackson, that they were summoned as garnishees and the defendant not appearing on the motion of the plaintiff by his attorney, judgement was awarded him against the defendant for £7/12/0 with interest from the ___ ___ and the ____ and it was ordered that the Sheriff do sell the attached affects and apply the money arising from the sale towards satisfying this judgment and the said Wagnon being sworn declared that he had in his possession a note of hand due from Amos Naring to the defendant for £2/10/0 due on the 8th instant. It was therefore ordered that the said Amos Naring do pay the same to the plaintiff towards satisfying the residue of this judgment and this attachment was continued for the other garnishees. Notes: In the abbreviation following the name of Thomas Poythress, it was unclear whether it was Jr. or Sr. "Jr." was the likelier text. In any case, there was a Thomas Poythress, father and son, living in Brunswick County. No year date was furnished in this document but it most likely followed the previous court order by a short time, likely a matter of a month or more. To the Worshipful Court of Brunswick County Sitting in Chancery: Humbly complaining Sheweth to your worships, your orator William Warwick, that on the 2nd day of December 1782, he bought of a certain Thomas Poythress (whom your orator Prays to be made defendant hereto) a certain tract of land lying in this county, containing 214 acres, adjoining the land called Randal's Ordinary, that is adjoining the lands of your orator and of John Taylor and Richard Heartwill, that your orator paid him for the said land & another tract to wit the said place called Randal's Ordinary and the said defendant executed on the same day to your orator a bond in the Sum of one Thousand pounds conditioned to make complete title in fee simple to your orator in the said lands, which bond or obligation is herewith filed and prayed to be considered as part of this bill. That the said Defendant has only made such title in part of the said lands, that is the Place called Randal's Ordinary, but has constantly refused to make such title sought to your orator of and to the said 214 acres of land which is contrary to equity, and oppressive to your orator. In tender consideration whereof & for as much as your orator is only relievable in the premises in a court of Equity where contracts are decreed to be specifically performed and to the end that the said Defendant may on his oath full true and perfect answer make to all and singular the foregoing allegations as amply and completely as if he were herein thereto particularly interrogated and to the end that your worships may decree that the Said defendant shall convey in fee simple the said land consisting of 214 acres to your orator. That the said defendant, his heirs and all claiming under him be precluded forever from having or claiming any right or title thereto and that the same be vested in your orator, his heirs and assigns forever and that your Worships may grant your orator such other and further relief in the premises as may be deemed consistent with equity and justice, may it please your Worships to grant your orator the Commonwealth's writ of Subpoena to be delivered to the said defendant and commanding him &c by your orator shall be. [signed] Robertson for Complainant. Recorded William Warwick versus Thomas Poythress Bill. Know all men by these Presents that Thomas Poythress of the county of Brunswick and state of Virginia am.....do and firmly bound unto William Warwick of said county and state in the just and full sum of one thousand pounds...to be paid unto the said William Warwick his certain Attorney his heirs Executors or assigns to which payment will and truly to be made, I bind myself my heirs Executors administrators firmly by these presents sealed with hand and seal this 2nd day of December 1782. The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the said Thomas Poythress has sold two certain tracts or parcels of land in Brunswick County the one whereon he now lives known by the name of Randle's Ordinary containing three hundred acres, the other in acres known by the name of Williams' containing two hundred and fourteen acres now if the above Thomas Poythress do so or shall make a good and lawful title in said lands and give possession by or before Christmas next then the above obligation to void or else to remain in full force and virtue. [signed] Thomas Poythress, (seal). Witness, Hinshia Mabry, G. Williamson. Bond T. Poythress, Subpoena Book, bring Subpoena in Chancery for Total 214 acres out of the Book. Memo for W. David Robertson to bring a Suit in Chancery against Thomas Poythress for a title to a tract of land in Brunswick County....and called Randles ordinary, the said Poythress is long ago removed to G.....the place called Tom. Bigby, now under the Spanish Government. [signed] William Warwick [BPN note: The Tombigbee River is in the area that later, in 1832, became the state of Alabama. This same area was indeed much earlier part of Spanish land. Even after becoming part of the Mississippi Territory purchased by the United States of America, this area was Indian land for some years]. William Warwick against Thomas Poythress, 214 and John Mason and William Harrison, Surviving Executors of James Mason Deceased. Subpoena in chancery. On October 28, 1783, in Brunswick County, Stephen Neal versus Thomas Poythress. Thomas Poythress was ordered to recover £10 gold or silver. In March 1787, in Brunswick County, the Commonwealth of Virginia, to the Sheriff, of Brunswick County, Greeting, we command you that you summon Thomas Poythress to appear before the Justices of Brunswick County court at the Courthouse in Chancery on the fourth Monday in March next to answer a Bill in Chancery exhibited against him by William Warwick and this he shall in no wise omit under the penalty of £100 and have then there this Writ, witness Drury Stith, Clerk of the Court, December 5, 1786. Indicated that Thomas Poythress was not found to be an inhabitant of the county: In Chancery, Warwick versus Poythress, March, 1787; August, 1787; March, 1788; August, 1788; November, 1788. The summons for Thomas Poythress dated December 5, 1786, for March court, 1787. He was not found to be an inhabitant of Brunswick County. On July 26, 1788, in the Georgia State Gazette Independent Register, published in Augusta, Georgia, Thomas Poythress was on a list of defaulters in Captain Wynn's District, Burke County, Georgia. On November 1, 1788, in Georgia, from a list of presentments of the Grand Jury of the Present Term: "In the Superior Court it is ordered that the presentments of the grand jury of the present term be published in the State Gazette... "grievance #7, ...We present Joshua Inman, ...Thomas Poythress, as gamblers; therefore a nuisance to this county." Brunswick County Chancery Court, the Commonwealth of Virginia, to the Sheriff, of Brunswick County, Greeting, we command you that you attach Thomas Poythress so that you have his body before our Justices of Brunswick County on the fourth Monday in November next to answer us as well of a certain contempt by him to us offered as it said upon those things which to him shall then and there be objected and further to do and receive what our said court shall in this part consider and have then there this writ, witness Drury Stith, Clerk of our Court, September 2, 1788. Indicated that Thomas Poythress was not found to be an inhabitant of the county. Warwick versus Poythress, for not answering a Bill in Chancery exhibited against him by William Warwick. A warrant was issued September 2, 1788, for Thomas to appear at the November court, 1788. He was not found to be an inhabitant of Brunswick County. Brunswick County, to the Worshipful Court, of Brunswick County, sitting in Chancery, humbly complainant shows unto your Worships, your orators, William Mallory and Wood Jones Hamlin, that some time about the ----- day of ----- 1782 your orator, William Mallory, executed a bond or note payable to a certain Thomas Poythress for the sum of £6, 10 shillings, or thereabouts some time after which and not long before the said Poythress left this state. Your orator, William Mallory, actually paid the said Thomas Poythress the full amount of the said Bond and required him to give up the same to be canceled whereupon the said Thomas Poythress informed your orator, William Mallory that he had lost or mislaid the said Bond and promised before a witness to destroy the same should he find it again which your orators expect to be able to prove at this time. Notwithstanding which circumstance the said Thomas Poythress shortly after left this state without having destroyed the said Bond and the said Bond causing by some means unknown to your orators come....of a certain Th...... a .....upon the said Bond.....t again your orator....who employed an attorney......d from in the said suit and being informed by the Clerk that would be time enough to subpoena his witnesses to this court your orator, William Mallory, informed his lawyer that the said suit would not come on until the March court but so it is may it please your Worships that a judgement was entered up against your orator William Mallory and your orator Wood Jones Hamlin on his common Bail in the month of November last for the said Bond and costs of suit not withstanding your orator, William Mallory, expressly charged that he had fully paid and satisfied the said Bond to the same Thomas Poythress, Sr., before he left this state and expects he can prove the same when and where this court shall direct, all which actings and doings of the said Thomas Poythress and his confederates who your orator pray may be made defendants to this Bill in contrary to equity and justice, in tender considerations whereof and as your orators are remediless in the premises without the aid of this Worship's court, to the end therefore that the said Thomas Poythress, Sr., may upon his corporal oath full true and perfect answer make to all and singular the allegations contained in this Bill and that as fully as if the same were herein again repeated and he.....particularly interrogated and in the mean time that the said Thomas Poythress may be enjoined from all other and further proceedings upon this judgement at law until the further order and decree of this court, or that your Worships will make such further order and decree in the premises as may be agreeable to equity and the nature of this case may require may it please your Worships to grant unto your orators the Commonwealth's Writs of subpoena and interrogation to be directed to the said defendant thereby commanding him, &c. Mallory, &al versus Poythress, July abated for want of bond. This day came William Mallory before me a Justice of the peace for Brunswick County, and made oath that the writing in this Bill contains the truth and nothing but the truth, given under my hand, May 17, 1792. William Mallory and Wood Jones Hamlin stated that sometime about the ---- day of ---- 1782, William Mallory executed a bond or note payable to a certain Thomas Poythress for the sum of £6, 10 shillings, or thereabouts, sometime after which and not long before Thomas Poythress left Virginia. William Mallory actually paid Thomas Poythress the full amount of the Bond and required him to give up the same to be canceled whereupon Thomas Poythress informed William Mallory that he had lost or mislaid the Bond and promised before a witness to destroy the same should he find it again which Mallory and Hamlin expect to be able to prove at this time...William Mallory expressly charged that he had fully paid and satisfied the said Bond to Thomas Poythress, Sr., before Poythress left Virginia and expects he can prove the same when and where this court shall direct, all which actings and doings of Thomas Poythress and his confederates who William Mallory prays may be made defendants to this Bill in contrary to equity and justice. In tender considerations whereof and as the orators are remediless in the premises without the aid of the court to the end therefore that the said Thomas Poythress, Sr., may upon his corporal oath full true and perfect answer make to all and singular the allegations contained in this Bill and that as fully as if the same were herein again repeated and he...particularly interrogated and in the mean time that the said Thomas Poythress may be enjoined from all other and further proceedings upon this judgement at law until the further order and decree of this court...May, 1792. The document mentions that Thomas Poythress, Sr., left Virginia shortly after the agreement in 1782. Brunswick County, Chancery Court, the Commonwealth of Virginia, to the sheriff, of Brunswick county, greeting. We command you, that you summon Thomas Poythress to appear before our Justices of the Brunswick County court at their courthouse, on the 4th Monday in November instant then and there to answer a bill in Chancery against him exhibited by William Warwick and this he shall no wise omit under the penalty of £100, and have then there also this writ. Witness John Jones clerk, of our said court, at the office, November 1, 1792 and in the 17th year of the Commonwealth. Indicated that Thomas Poythress was not found to be an inhabitant of the county. Warwick versus Poythress, December, 1792; June abated by. The summons was issued for Thomas Poythress on November 1, 1792, but he was not found to be an inhabitant of Brunswick County. In Brunswick County, Chancery Court, the Commonwealth of Virginia, to the sheriff, of Brunswick county, greeting, we command you, as before you have been commanded that you summon Thomas Poythress to appear before our Justices of the Brunswick County court, at their courthouse, on the 4th Monday in March next then and there to answer a bill in Chancery against him exhibited by William Warwick and this he shall no wise omit under the penalty of £100, and have then there also this writ. Witness, John Jones, Clerk of our said court at the office, December 11, 1792, in the seventeenth year of the Commonwealth. Indicated that Thomas Poythress was not found to be an inhabitant of the county. Warwick versus Poythress. The summons was issued for Thomas Poythress on December 11, 1792, but he was not found to be an inhabitant of Brunswick County. The Commonwealth of Virginia to the sheriff of Brunswick county, greeting. We command you, that you summon Thomas Poythress, and John Mason, and William Harrison, Surviving Executors of James Mason deceased to appear before our Justices of our county court of Brunswick at their courthouse of said county, on the 4th Monday in March next, then and there to answer a bill in Chancery against them exhibited by William Warwick And this they shall no wise omit under the penalty of £100 each and have then there also this writ. Witness, Charles B. Jones, clerk of our said court at the office, the 6th day of December 1793 and in the 18th year of the commonwealth. [signed] C B Jones. January 1794 James Harrison. Subpoena in Chancery Warwick versus Poythress and Masons Executors = 1794 April abates to Masons executor and continued for Bill, May Court for Bill, June ditto, July Ditto, August Ditto, September Ditto, October Ditto, November Ditto, December Ditto, 1795, January, February, March Ditto, April Dismissed for Want of Bill, May reinstated and ordered to the calls. June Bill filed and Continued for answer, July Continued for answer, August Ditto. September Ditto, October Ditto, November Ditto, December Ditto = 1796, January Ditto. February abates by the Plaintiff's death. John Walton and Mary his wife late widow of William Warwick, deceased versus Thomas Poythress, Sr. This suit was formerly brought in the name of William Warwick but by the Death of Warwick abated. The Land is willed by Warwick to Mary Walton late Mary Warwick in fee. The case is as follows, to wit, Richard Randle and Mary his wife made a Deed to James Mason bearing date the 10th April 1780. James Mason sold the Land to Thomas Poythress, Sr., and on the 1st Sept 1782 upon giving Poythress a receipt in full for the amount the said Mason bound himself in an obligation to make a good and lawful Title for the premises aforesaid to the said Poythress which written obligation was afterwards assigned to William Warwick, who never received a Deed for the said Land of the said Poythress or did the said Poythress ever receive a Deed from James Mason who is now dead and insolvent. Poythress resides in the State of Georgia. The Deed from Randal and wife to Mason is herewith enclosed, Number 1. The Receipt from Mason to Poythress with the assignment on the Back is also herewith enclosed, Number 2. To the worshipful Court of Brunswick County Sitting in Chancery Humbly complaining Then to your worships, your orator, John Walton and your oratrix Mary Walton his wife, who was late Mary Warwick widow and relict of William Warwick deceased, that the Said William Warwick purchased and fully paid for in his life time a certain tract of land situate and being in this County....containing....acres....of a certain Thomas Poythress, from whom he took a bond in the penalty of....pounds conditioned to make or cause to be made and secured to the Said William Warwick an indefensible right and title in fee Simple of, in and to the Said tract of Land which bond is herewith filed and prayed to be considered as part of this bill. That the Said Poythress had long ago left this commonwealth and that his particular place of residence is not known to your orator and oratrix, that the said Poythress had not the legal, but had certainly an equitable, title to the Said land and bought it of a certain James Mason who has since departed this life, who put him in possession thereof and who received full Satisfaction for it from the Said Poythress, who was in possession of it when the Said William Warwick purchased it. That the Said William Warwick by his last will and testament which is duly recorded in this worshipful court and prayed to be considered a part of this bill of complaint, devised all his right and title to the Said Land to your oratrix: that the Said Warwick was in possession of and enjoyed the Said Land for several years and your orator and oratrix in her right now are in possession of it, but that the legal title is in the heirs of the Said James Mason, who are as follow, to wit: [Edmund Mason's name is first, but is lined out], George Mason and Jane Mason, children & coheirs of the Said James Mason deceased, William Thompson Mason, James Mason and Edmund Mason children and coheirs of Edmund Mason who was son & coheir of the said first mentioned James Mason, Robert Mabry and Rebecca his wife who was late Rebecca Mason, Ira Ellis and Polly his wife who was late Polly Mason also daughter of the said deceased James Mason, all of whom as well as the said Poythress your orator prays to be made defendants hereto, the infants hereafter mentioned to be made defendants by Robertson their guardian. That the said children of Edmund Mason are infants under lawful age and by law incompetent and unable to convey the legal right remaining in them as representing their said ancestor James Mason, to your orator and oratrix, which in injurious to them and repugnant to equity, which Said infants are prayed to be made defendants hereto by their guardian to be appointed by this court. Your orator and oratrix State further that the Said Land was conveyed in fee simple by a certain Richard Randle to the Said Mason by deed of Indenture, which is duly recorded in this worshipful court and prayed to be considered as part of this bill. That the Said Mason granted a receipt in full to the Said Poythress for the consideration money for the sale of the said Land and thereby promised and obliged himself, his heirs &c to make a sufficient and absolute right in fee Simple in and to the said Land to the Said Poythress, and which receipt the said Poythress assigned by an indorsement thereon in his own hand writing to the Said Warwick when he Sold and delivered him possession of the Said Land: which receipt is herewith also filed and prayed to be considered as part of this bill, That though your orator and oratrix in her right use in justice and equity entertain the legal right in fee simple of the said land as well as to the perception and enjoyment of its rents, issues and profits, yet from the infancy of the said Mason defendants and other causes before recited, they are deprived of such right and title; and may by possibility and accident be deprived hereafter of the means of establishing the Same altogether without the aid of a court of equity: In tender consideration whereof & because your orator oratrix can only be released in the presence court of equity, and to the end that all the said defendants and pray fully and unevasively answer all the foregoing allegations on oath and that they shall be decreed by this worshipful court to be forever bound and precluded from all right title to the Said land and be decreed and ordered to convey their respective rights to the Said Land to your orator and oratrix for the benefit of your oratrix and that your orator and oratrix be adjudged and decreed to have and enjoy the Same land in fee simple; and that the infant defendants be precluded also from all right and title to the same and decreed to convey their rights and titles therein to your oratrix according to the usual principles of courts of equity in similar cases: or that such other and further relief may be decreed to your oratrix and orator in the premises as may be deemed equitable and their case may justly require. May it please You Worships to grant your orator and oratrix the Commonwealth's writ of Subpoena to be directed to the Said Defendants commanding them &c and your orator and oratrix shall &c. [signed] Robertson for Complainants. John Walton and wife late Mary Warwick versus James Mason's heirs & others Bill and voucher included = 1799 April Bill filed and Continued for Answers, May Continued for answers, June ditto and July Ditto, August 1 Ditto, September ditto; October Ditto; November ditto, December ditto = 1800, January Ditto, February Ditto, March ditto, April ditto, May ditto, May Court ordered and Decree issued, June Continued, July Continued August ditto, September Ditto, October ditto, November Ditto, December Ditto, 1801, January Continued, February Ditto, March Ditto, April ditto, May ditto, June Ditto, July Ditto, August Ditto, September Ditto, October Ditto, November Ditto, December Ditto = 1802, January Ditto, February Ditto, March Ditto, April Ditto, May Ditto, June Ditto, July Ditto, August Ditto, September Subpoena issued and Continued for answers, October continued for answer, November Ditto, December Ditto = 1803, January Ditto, February Ditto, March Ditto, April Ditto, May Ditto, June Ditto, July Ditto, August Ditto, September ditto, October ditto, November Ditto, December Ditto = 1804, January Ditto, February Ditto, February Ditto, March Ditto, April Dismissed. In the name of God Amen. I John Mason of Greensville County being of sound Mind do ordain my last Will and Testament making void all other will or wills heretofore made. I lend my wife Mary Mason the parcel of land held by Peter Wyche by purchase from William Harrison, but in case her pregnancy should prove abortive or the child should not arrive to a lawful age then I give and bequeath the above mentioned land to my said wife to her and her heirs forever. I give and bequeath to my expected Child all the Land I had of Edward Smith with the Land Peter Wyche had of William Waller and I had of Peter Wyche to the said Child and its heirs and assigns forever. I give and bequeath to my wife all my personal Estate of whatsoever kind after paying all my just Debts. I likewise give unto my said wife all the Rents arising from the above mentioned Lands for to assist her in the raising and Educating of my expected Child: I give the Lands which I exchanged with my Brother Edmund Mason to Arthur, Bolling, Little James and John their heirs &c when Arthur is of Age as I have limited in the Deed of Emancipation and the Rent until then to be given my said wife for to assist her in the raising and Educating of my expected Child. I give and bequeath unto little Nanny and all other Slaves now claimed by me in whole or in part all that liberty and freedom which I might on the footing of law lay claim to with their offsprings forever. It is my Will & desire that my above mentioned Lands should not be cleared nor cut to make any waste more than is necessary for the support of the same. It is my Will and desire that if my expected Child should arrive to a lawful age that it shall have the Land lent to my wife at her death, to that and its heirs and assigns forever. I further desire that Negro Anthony should live where he has lately built him a House uninterrupted allowing him fire wood, Ground for a Garden, Cotton patch & Potatoes rent free during life provided he behaves well as I believe he will and likewise that Anne Jefferson should enjoy the same privilege where she now lives if she chooses it upon the same Terms. It is my will and desire that my Uncle William Harrison, my friends Ingram Blanks and Robert Rivers together with my Brother in law Irwin Maclin when of age should act as my Executors and my wife Executrix to this my last will and Testament. I desire to be buried in a plain manner without any Spirits at all by that person my wife shall make choice of. I ordain this to be my last will & Testament as Witness I have hereunto set my hand and seal this ninth Day of April One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety Three. John Mason (L. S.). Signed sealed & acknowledged in the presence of Hubbard Hobbs, Frederich Hobbs, Nathaniel Mabry. Duly proved and admitted to record at Greensville County Court, August 1793, and Mary Mason, the Executrix therein named qualified thereto according to Law. Teste P. Pelham, Clerk of Court. Extract from the Records Testa P. Pelham, Clerk of Court. Copy John Mason's Will For John Walton, Brunswick. The Commonwealth of Virginia to the sheriff of Brunswick county, greeting. We command you, that you summon Thomas Poythress and Robert Mabry and Rebecca his wife who was late Rebecca Mason, widow and Executrix of James Mason deceased and William Harrison, John Mason and Benjamin Jones surviving executors of the said James Mason deceased, Edmunds and George Mason sons of the said James Mason deceased, and Jane Mason daughter of the said James Mason deceased to appear before our Justices of our county court of Brunswick at their courthouse of said county, on the 4th Monday in March next, then and there to answer a bill in Chancery against them exhibited by John Walton and Mary his wife late Mary Warwick widow and Devisee of William Warwick deceased And this they shall in no wise omit under the penalty of £100 each And have then there also this writ. Witness Herbert Hill clerk of our said court at the office, the 26th day of February 1798 and in the 22nd year of the commonwealth. [signed] H. Hill. 1798 March 13th Ecid on Benjamin Jones and those Present on Inhabitants. [signed] Friedrich Greene, Deputy of John Stith, Sheriff. Recorded Subpoena in chancery. Walton Versus Poythress, Sr. = 1798, April Continued for Bill. May Continued for Bill, June Ditto, July Ditto, August Ditto, September Ditto, October Ditto, November Ditto, December Do = 1799, January, February and March, Ditto. Brunswick County May Court 18hundred. John Walton and Mary his wife late Mary Warwick widow and Devisee of William Warwick Deceased, Complainants against Thomas Poythress and Robert Mabry and Rebecca his wife formerly Rebecca Mason widow and executrix of James Mason deceased and William Harrison, Benjamin Jones and John Mason executors of James Mason, deceased, and Edmunds, George and Jane Mason sons and daughter of the aforesaid James Mason, Defendants In chancery It appearing to the court that the subpoena which issued in this cause have been regularly served on the defendant Benjamin Jones and the Bill filed in this cause more than three months past and the said defendant have failed to appear and put in his answer thereto agreeable to the rules of this court. On the motion of the complainants by their counsel it is ordered and decreed that the complainants Bill be taken for confessed and the matters thereof decreed accordingly and that the Defendants pay the cost of this suit but this decree shall be null and void if the said defendant shall appear and file his answer on or before August term next. A Copy Teste [signed] Herbert Hill Clerk, SC, 10th July 1800, executed James Harrison, Deputy for Richard Fletcher, Sheriff. Walton and wife versus Poythress &al, Copy 4 answer. The Commonwealth of Virginia to the sheriff of Brunswick County greeting you are hereby commanded to summon Thomas Poythress, Robert Mabry and Rebecca his wife who was late Rebecca Mason widow and Executrix of James Mason, and William Harrison, John Mason and Benjamin Jones, surviving executors of the said James Mason, Seth Mason and Jane daughter of the said James Mason, Ira Ellis and Polly his wife widow of John Mason to appear before the Justices of our said County Court at the Courthouse on the 4th Monday in May next then and there to answer a bill in Chancery against them exhibited by John Walton & Mary his wife late Mary Warwick widow & devisee of William Warwick deceased and this they shall in no wise omit under the penalty of £100 each and have then there this writ Witness Herbert Hill clerk of our said Court this 5th day of April 1802. In the 26th year of our foundation. [signed] H Hill. Executed on Ira Ellis and Polly his Wife. [signed] J. S. Rice, deputy, for Wright Tucker, sheriff. Subpoena in Chancery, Walton and wife versus Poythress & al 228, Ira Ellis. The Commonwealth of Virginia to the sheriff of Greensville County greeting you are hereby commanded to summon George Mason and Seth Mason and Jane his wife, children and coheirs of James Mason, William T. Mason, James Mason and Edmunds Mason, Robert Mabry and Rebecca his wife, Ira Ellis and Polley his wife to appear before the Justices of our said County Court at the Courthouse on the 4th Monday in May inst to answer a bill in Chancery against them exhibited by John Walton & Mary his wife late Mary Warwick widow and relict of William Warwick. And this they shall in no wise omit under the penalty of £100 each and have then there this writ Witness Herbert Hill clerk of our said Court this 5th day of April 1802. In the 26th year of our foundation. [signed] H Hill. Executed on Edmund Mason and George Mason, Seth Mason, William T. Mason, James Mason, James Mason, Robert Mabry, Rebeca Mabry, Ira Ellis and Polley Ellis not found in my Bailwick. [signed] J. C. Lundy, Deputy Sheriff, of Esau Goodwyn, the sheriff of Greensville County. Subpoena in Chancery, Walton and wife versus Mason &al May, Brunswick County, 1802, Greensville County. George Mason, Seth Mason, Jane Mason, William T. Mason, James Mason & Edmund Mason, Robert Mabry, Rebecca Mabry, Ira Ellis, Polly Ellis. The Commonwealth of Virginia to the sheriff of Southampton County greeting you are hereby commanded to summon George Mason, Seth Mason and Jane his wife, James Mason, William T. Mason, James Mason and Edmunds Mason, Robert Mabry and Rebecca his wife, Ira Ellis and Polley his wife to appear before the Justices of our said County Court at the Courthouse on the 4th Monday in May inst to answer a bill in Chancery against them Exhibited by John Walton & Mary his wife and this they shall in no wise omit under the penalty of £100 each and have then this writ Witness Herbert Hill clerk of our said Court this 5th day of May 1802. In the 26th year of our foundation. [signed] H Hill, the sheriff of Southampton County. Subpoena in Chancery, Walton and wife versus Mason &c Southampton. Brunswick County. The Commonwealth of Virginia to the sheriff of Southampton County, greeting. You are hereby commanded to Summon George Mason, Seth Mason and Jane his wife, James Mason, William T. Mason, James Mason and Edmunds Mason, Robert Mabry and Rebecca his wife, and Ira Ellis and Polley his wife to appear before the Justices of our said County Court at the Courthouse On the 4th Monday in August instant then and there to Answer a Bill in Chancery against them exhibited by John Walton & Mary his wife and this they shall in no wise omit under the Penalty of £100 each and have then there this writ Witness Herbert Hill clerk of our said Court this 7th day of August 1802 In the 27th year of our foundation. [signed] H Hill. 1802 August 16th Executed on Robert Mabry and George Mason. Not on Rebecca Mabry for the want of time. As to the rest No Inhabitants. [signed] T. W. Beal, Deputy Sheriff, for J. Browne, Sheriff. Subpoena in Chancery, Walton and wife versus Mason &c = 1802 August Court. Brunswick County. The Commonwealth of Virginia to the sheriff of Sussex County, greeting. You are hereby commanded to Summon George Mason, Seth Mason and Jane his wife, James Mason, William T. Mason, James Mason & Edmunds Mason, Robert Mabry and Rebecca his wife and Ira Ellis and Polley his wife to appear before the Justices of our said County Court at the Courthouse On the 4th Monday in August instant then and there to answer a Bill in Chancery against them Exhibited by John Walton and Mary his wife and this they shall in no wise omit under the Penalty of £100 each and have then there this writ. Witness, Herbert Hill, clerk of our said Court, this 7th day of August 1802. In the 27th year of our foundation. [signed] H Hill. Executed on Seth Mason & Jane his wife. And George Mason, James Mason, William T. Mason, James Mason, Edmunds Mason, Robert Mabry and Rececca his wife, Ira Ellis and Polly his wife no Inhabitants. [signed] James Belcher, Deputy Sheriff, of R. Booth, Sheriff, 18th August 1802. Subpoena in Chancery. Walton and wife versus Mason &c = 1802 August Court. Property: Personal Property and Land On May 13, 1773, Thomas Poythress, of Martin's Brandon parish, in Prince George County, sold to William Rives, son of George Rives, deceased, of Meherrin parish, in Brunswick County, 275 acres, in Mehrrin parish, in Brunswick County (probably present Greenville County), adjoining the lands of Benjamin Rives and Richard Woodroof, upon the Beaver Pond Creek. The witnesses were James Young, William Rives and Benjamin Rives. This was the same 275 acres bought by Captain John Poythress on October 13, 1727. On July 6, 1773, in Brunswick County, Thomas Poythress, of Prince George County, sold to John Dawson, of Brunswick County, 525 acres, two certain tracts, parcels or dividends of land, on the east side of the Cane Branch, by the side of the Cane Branch and down the various courses of the Run of the said Branch to the beginning, containing 200 acres more or less part of the above mentioned 525 acres, also one other tract or parcel of land containing by estimation 325 acres bounded by the above mentioned tract of 200 acres of land, by the sides of Fountain's Creek, adjoining James Chapple, by the side of Great swamp, William Douglas, Samuel Clark, by the side of the Cane Branch, a corner of the above tract of 200 acres, by the side of Fountain's Creek just against the mouth of the Cane Branch and down the various courses of the Run of the Creek to the beginning. The witnesses were David Edmunds, Howell Edmunds and David Edmunds, Jr. "Two certain tracts containing by estimation 525 acres." Compare with the patent for 325 acres to John Poythress, Gentleman, March 17, 1737, and the patent for 200 acres to John Poythress, September 5, 1723. The "two certain tracts" described in the July 6, 1773, deed from Thomas Poythress to John Dawson appear to be the same property patented by John Poythress, in 1723, and John Poythress, Gentleman, in 1736. In 1779, Thomas Poythress appeared on the Dinwiddie County Rent Roll. In 1782, in Brunswick County, land taxes were paid by Thomas Poythress, Sr., on 584 acres. In 1787, 50 acres of this land had been transferred to a James Phipps and 484 acres had been transferred to a William Warrick. Thomas Poythress was no longer listed as owning any land in Brunswick County. In 1784, an account of the alteration of property, in Brunswick County, from May 1, 1783, to May 1, 1784, with the addition of land not before taxed: Proprietor Qty Valuation Amt Tax Thomas Poythress, Sr. 53acres 51 133/40/0 6.8 Thomas Poythress, Sr. 532 acres -altered _ his land conveyed to James Phips, 50 acres, and William Warwick, 482 acres, which was charged to them. Meredith Poythress 50 acres, from John Morris _ 100 On November 6, 1787, Isham Randle and Frances Randle of Brunswick County, sold to Edward Drumgold, of Brunswick County, 50 acres, in Brunswick County, adjoining William Warrick, generally known by the name of Randle's Ordinary, Benjamin Britt and Edward Drumgold, on the Pitch Landing Road, in the head of Bennett's great branch. The witnesses were William Finch, Thomas Poythress and George Walton. At the Brunswick County Court, April 28, 1788, the indenture was proved by the oaths of William Finch and George Walton, having been proved on January 28, 1788, by the oath of Thomas Poythress, also a witness. In 1789, Thomas Poythress, was listed on a taxpayer list in Greene County, Georgia. Pertinent Property On May 9, 1766, in the King and Queen County court, to be sold at a public auction on Thursday the 29th, of this instant, at the late dwelling house of William Meredith, deceased, in Queen and King County, sundry kinds of household and kitchen furniture, a 90 HHD sloop, with a flat, apparel, and tackling, etc. Signed by William Meredith. On June 7, 1779, John Parker, of Brunswick County, sold to Henry Maclin, of Brunswick County, 100 acres, in Brunswick County, it being part of a tract of 200 acres to be divided between John Parker and Thomas Parker, lying on both sides of Sturgeon Creek and adjoining Henry Briggs, John Mitchel and Jane Parker. The witnesses were John Haskins, Catharine Trotter, Joseph Maclin, Elizabeth Maclin and Ann Poythress. In Prince George County, the Will of Richard Harrison, of Prince George County, dated March, 27, 1781, proved October 11, 1791. To my beloved wife, Rebecca Harrison. To my son, William Harrison, the land and plantation whereon I live. To my sons, Alexander and Shadrack Harrison, all my lands and plantations at Black Water. To my sons, Peyton and Theodorick Harrison, the land and plantation whereon I now live, to be equally divided between them that is to say, Peyton Harrison is to have my dwelling house and his proportionable part of the lands adjoining. To my sons, Ishmeal and Charles Harrison, all of my lands known by the name of the Wood Yard. My will is that my whole and sole estate is to be equally divided amongst all my former and latter children. My son, William Harrison, and my son, Alexander Harrison, executors. The witnesses were William Glover, Edward Darvell and Thomas Hobbs. As Witness On February 2, 1762, Leonard Claiborne, of Dinwiddie County, to Richard Claiborne and William Claiborne, a deed of memorandum (trust) secured by Claiborne's 615 + 34 acres, in Lunenburg County, branches of Stoney Creek by patent, Leonard Claiborne, Jr., and by him conveyed to Leonard Claiborne, Sr., adjoining Green, Caudle, new lines, Mason, Jarrett, Gee; also 34 acres adjoining above land by patent Leonard Claiborne, Jr., and conveyed to Leonard Claiborne, Sr. The witnesses were Charles Hamlin, Barbar Claiborne, Thomas Poythress and Peter Corbin. 1781, an indenture for Mason and Gilliam to Spencer, a land transfer in Brunswick County, The witness was Thomas Poythress. On January 22, 1781, in Brunswick County, an Indenture between Mason and Gilliam to Spencer, a land transfer, witnessed by Thomas Poythress. Family Estates Prince George County, July Court 1801, by Will. In 1800 Elizabeth Cocke, to Elizabeth Cocke the plantation she bought of Richard Harrison, a 400 acre tract, also 100 acres adjoining it known by the name of the "Woodyard." To James Cocke the land she inherited "by the death of her brother John Poythress called Goodwine, also the land she purchased of John Worthen. To Benjamin Cocke the remainder of Woodyard after deducting 300 acres devised to her daugher, Elizabeth." (Woodyard is described as being 12 miles east of Prince George courthouse). In 1789, Elizabeth Cocke was listed with two tracts of 234 acres each, one of which she inherited direct and the other at the death of her brother, John Poythress. Elizabeth Poythress married Captain James Cocke, son of Benjamin Cocke. James Cocke died about 1783. Prince George County tax lists mention her tract "Goodwines" that she inherited from her brother, John Poythress. James Cocke served in the Navy during the Revolution. He was Captain of the Raleigh that patrolled the James River and from November 2, 1776, to February, 1777, he commanded the cruiser Manley Galley. Thomas Poythress, Sr., and the Family Move to Georgia In 1784, Thomas Poythress, Sr. (c. 1729-1790s?) was about fifty-five years old, had at least six sons and still owned land in Brunswick County. In December, 1786, and March, 1787, a summons to court found Thomas not to be an inhabitant of Brunswick County. In July, 1788, Thomas appeared on a Burke County, Georgia, defaulter's list in Captain Wynn's District, of Burke County, Georgia, and on November 1, 1788, he appeared on a presentment list of the Grand Jury in Georgia. In 1789, he appeared on a taxpayer's list in Greene County, Georgia, for 1789. According to the court records of Brunswick County, Thomas left Virginia and resided in Georgia at "a place called Tom Bigby, now under the Spanish Government." According to BPN's note, the Tombigbee River is in the area that, in 1832, became the state of Alabama. This same area was indeed much earlier part of Spanish land. Even after becoming part of the Mississippi Territory purchased by the United States of America, this area was Indian land for some years. When Thomas Poythress, Sr., left Virginia and moved to Georgia about 1785 (according to Brunswick County court records), he evidently took some of his younger children with him and these children grew to maturity in Georgia and remained in the state. His son, Thomas Poythress, Jr., seems to have left Virginia for Georgia in 1797. Thomas' son, Meredith Poythress, Sr., left Virginia for Georgia between 1800 and 1808. His son, George Poythress, appeared in the records in Georgia in 1797 and Edward Poythress appeared in the Georgia records in 1799 with his brothers, George Poythress and Thomas Poythress, and Thomas' son, Thomas Poythress, Jr. By that time, Thomas Poythress, Sr., appears to have been deceased. His son, Lewis Poythress, appeared in the Virginia records in 1792. Thomas' son, William Poythress, appeared in the Burke County, Georgia, records in 1816.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11080815/site/newsweek/ is an interesting article even if the authors politically correctly were unable to resist biting on the improbable Thomas Jefferson-Sally Hemings legend. Maynard

With thanks to our List-subscriber Sarah for letting me know, I was sad to learn that this dear man, who was helpful in our Poythress research in the 1990s, died two weeks ago. I also learned of the death of his brother Leon, just 7 months earlier (see separate message today for him). Raymond (and Leon) were grandsons of Joshua E. Poythress & Bettie Wester, and great-grandsons of John Lewis Poythress & Tabitha Ann Nunn. Raymond and his family, and my family and I, lived in the Norfolk & Virginia Beach area, overlapping for 5 yrs in the 1970s, but we never met then. I was privileged to meet Raymond and his sweet wife Elvin, and to be a guest for one night in their home in May 1999 (during the same trip when I met Bud, and when a bunch of us had our Poythress-researchers dinner in Richmond, VA). To supplement his obituary, I'll share with you quotations and info about him from a few of his emails to me through the years: "While traveling from Wellington, New Zealand, to invade Guadalcanal in August, 1942, we attempted to practice landing on one of the Fiji islands. We couldn't make it ashore as we ran into coral and had to return to the ship. We had to sit on the bottom of a tank landing ship, with no tank, all the way to shore and back. I have never been so sea sick in my life. We invaded Guadalcanal on August 7, and stayed there until December 4, being bombed every day, and bombed and shelled many nights. Fortunately we only lost one man from our company, E Company of the First Medical Battalion, First Marine Division." He mentioned that he had served at the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery in Washington, DC, from November 1952 to September 1955. He said that he and LeRoof Poythress had been shipmates, being both stationed at Atlantic Fleet Headquarters, when Raymond had been chief hospital corpsman assigned to the Fleet Medical Office from October 1955 to October of 1958. He retired from the Navy on 9 September 1966. He said he was a "retired Master Chief Hospital Corpsman, U. S. Navy, and also a retired Field Tax Auditor, State of VA. After retiring from the latter job, we moved back to NC. We have been back home since 1978." Raymond was very active for many years with his church. He served as a deacon; began a deacon ministry; was chairman of the budget committee; cemetery trustee; counting committee; usher; and in the Fall of 1994 ensured the installation of a sound system and chimes. When he last emailed me (Nov 2005, just before he turned 87) he was very appreciative of his fellow church members who had been taking him to and from the clinic for appointments. His obituary in The News & Observer newspaper (which serves the Triangle area of NC: Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill), appeared on Sunday, 15 Jan 2006: "C. Raymond Poythress, Sr. Nov. 28, 1918 - Jan. 13, 2006 ZEBULON - Claude Raymond Poythress, Sr., 87, of Adna Pearce Rd., died Friday afternoon at WakeMed. He was born in Franklin County, the son of the late John William and Myla Young Poythress. Mr. Poythress retired from the US Navy as Master Chief Hospital Corpsman with 28 years of service and also retired with the Virginia Employment Commission as Tax Auditor. He was a member of the Whitestone Masonic Lodge. Funeral service will be held 11:00am Tuesday at Pearce Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors and Masonic Honors. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Elvin Pearce Poythress; son Claude R. "Ray" Poythress, Jr. and wife, Wanda of Spring Hill, TN; daughters, Dianne P. Mullins and husband, Howard of Ione, Oregon, Sharon P. Becker and husband, Edward "Butch" of Baltimore, Md; sister, Edna P. Pernell of Warrenton; 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Flowers accepted or memorials may be made to Pearce Baptist Church, 4634 Pearces Rd., Zebulon, NC 27597. The family will receive friends following the service in the church annex. Arrangements by Strickland Funeral Home, Wendell."

Following the recent death of C. Raymond Poythress, Sr (see separate message today regarding him), I learned from our List-subscriber Sarah that Raymond's brother Leon died just 7 months earlier. Raymond had told me when he and I last talked about various health issues that run in some families, that Leon had Alzheimer's disease. Leon (and Raymond) were grandsons of Joshua E. Poythress & Bettie Wester, and great-grandsons of John Lewis Poythress & Tabitha Ann Nunn. His obituary was in the Henderson, NC newspaper, "The Daily Dispatch" on 21 June 2005: "Leon D. Poythress HENDERSON - Leon Douglas Poythress, 78, of 236 Orville St., Henderson, N.C., died Saturday, June 18, 2005, at Maria Parham Medical Center. Born in Franklin County, he was the son of the late John William and Mylae Young Poythress. Mr. Poythress was retired after 25 years with George W. Kane Inc., and was owner and operator of Leon D. Poythress Inc. He was a United States Navy Veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was a member of Westwood Pentecostal Holiness Church. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today at Flowers Funeral Chapel, conducted by the Rev. Cecil Coates, the Rev. Frank Sossamon, and Dr. Marion D. Poythress. Burial will follow in Sunset Gardens. Surviving are his wife, Daisy Pernell Poythress; a daughter, Kim P. Edwards, and husband Johnny, of Henderson; two sons, Dr. Marion D. Poythress, and wife Elaine, of Granite Falls, N.C., and Randy L. Poythress, of Henderson; a sister, Edna P. Pernell, of Warrenton, N.C.; a brother, Raymond C. Poythress, of Zebulon, N.C.; seven grandchildren, Tabitha Poythress, Joshua Poythress, Zachery Poythress, Isaac Poythress, Amber Edwards, Jasmine Edwards, and Caleb Poythress; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Elizabeth P. Ayscue and Gladys P. Beasley; and two brothers, Fred Poythress and Forest Poythress. The family received friends Monday, from 7 until 8:30 p.m., at Flowers Funeral Home. All other times, they will be at the home, 236 Orville Street, Henderson. Serving as active pallbearers will be Thomas Summerow, Carl Pernell, Raeford Pernell, Kenny Pernell, Larry Pernell, Ricky Pernell, Ronnie Pernell, Julian Pernell and Henry Pernell. Flowers Funeral Home is in charge of the funeral arrangements."

After sending this, I noticed that the posting that I mentioned has never posted.....Mike ----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael Tutor" <badbichon@earthlink.net> To: <POYTHRESS-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2006 10:28 PM Subject: Re: Follow-up re William Poythress of Bertie Co, NC from Heinegg's info > In the "life stories," I have mentioned that William Poythress, of Bertie > County, was probably the youngest son of John Poythress, Jr., as he is > shown with an Abington. An Abington married John Poythress, Junior's wife > after his death.........Mike > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Barbara P. Neal" <bp_neal@earthlink.net> > To: <POYTHRESS-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2006 4:06 PM > Subject: Follow-up re William Poythress of Bertie Co, NC from Heinegg's > info > > >> After my posting last night "Publish & update it when new info is found" >> mentioning Paul Heinegg's books, one of our List subscribers asked me: >> "When Heinegg said that he realized that William Poythress, of Bertie >> County, was white, did he happen to mention what became of William or who >> William's children were?" >> >> Heinegg didn't address any of that with me, but I'll recap here what I >> can glean about William Poythress from Heinegg's excellent books that >> I've seen. I'm sure there are more references to William Poythress of >> Bertie Co, NC than the this covers. >> >> In his book, Free African Americans of NC & VA Including the family >> histories of more than 80% of those counted as "all other free persons" >> in the 1790 & 1800 census (Baltimore: Clearfield Company, 1992) is the >> only place I found William (logically, since as Heinegg told me later, >> he later realized William was white, & he removed him from subsequent >> books). >> >> In that book, the info on William Poythress was as shown in the next >> paragraph. All counties Heinegg's paragraph mentions are NC counties; >> I'm using abbreviations for months and for "county" & I'll insert his >> source citations in brackets along with any comments I have. The >> parenthesis about Outlaw is Heinegg's parenthetical note. At the >> conclusion of his paragraph on William, Heinegg then indicated that >> "Perhaps his children were Rachel Outlaw; Odam, born about 1755; and >> Hardimon, born about 1757." Please note that this is the info corrected >> by Heinegg in his later volumes; later he indicated NO parent's name for >> Odam or Hardimon, and he had NO "Outlaw" listed. It seems to me that >> Rachel Outlaw was likely the daughter of his neighbor; perhaps she >> helped care for him at some point. >> >> Heinegg wrote: William Poythress of Bertie County purchased 100 acres on >> Jumping Run adjacent to John Harrell on 8 Sep 1753 [Bertie Co, NC DB H, >> p.42], and he and his wife, Sarah, sold this land three years later on >> 21 Oct 1756 [Bertie Co, NC DB H, p.387]. He was called William Poythress >> of Hertford Co on 9 Oct 1764 when he sold 140 acres in Bertie Co between >> the lines of William and Thomas Outlaw [Bertie Co, NC DB K, p.481]. He >> was ordered by the Feb 1764 Bertie Court to serve on the grand jury >> [Bertie Co, NC County Court Minutes Bk III, p.647], and the same court >> allowed him to keep a tavern at his dwelling house [Bertie Co, NC County >> Court Minutes Bk III, p.648]. He won a judgment for 6 pounds 5 shillings >> against William Bryan in the June 1765 Bertie Court [Bertie Co, NC >> County Court Minutes Bk III, p.710]. In Dec 1768 he made a Northampton >> Co deed of gift of household goods to Richard Outlaw for affection he >> had for (his daughter?) Rachel Outlaw [4:196 -- this probably indicates >> Heinegg was citing Northampton Co, NC Co DB 4, p.196, though I'm not >> sure since I neglected to get the full citation for this one]. He was >> taxed on 150 acres in Hertford Co in 1779 [GA 30.1 -- this is Heinegg's >> citation for the NC Archives holding for this 1779 tax list -- see below >> for more] >> >> = = = >> 1779 Hertford Co, NC tax list: this is the earliest preserved tax list >> for Hertford Co, which was formed in 759 from parts of Bertie, Chowan, & >> Northampton counties. An in NC Genealogy, Summer 1967 issue (Vol. XIII, >> No.2) listed only the names, with the caution that the original tax list >> showed additional info: # acres of land; # slaves; money on hand; # >> horses & cattle; and total amt of taxable property. In that abstract, >> the name "Wm Poythress" is in Hertford County's 4th District on p.71 of >> the tax list. >> >> >> ==== POYTHRESS Mailing List ==== >> Poythress Genealogy Research Web >> www.poythress.net >> >> >

In the "life stories," I have mentioned that William Poythress, of Bertie County, was probably the youngest son of John Poythress, Jr., as he is shown with an Abington. An Abington married John Poythress, Junior's wife after his death.........Mike ----- Original Message ----- From: "Barbara P. Neal" <bp_neal@earthlink.net> To: <POYTHRESS-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2006 4:06 PM Subject: Follow-up re William Poythress of Bertie Co, NC from Heinegg's info > After my posting last night "Publish & update it when new info is found" > mentioning Paul Heinegg's books, one of our List subscribers asked me: > "When Heinegg said that he realized that William Poythress, of Bertie > County, was white, did he happen to mention what became of William or who > William's children were?" > > Heinegg didn't address any of that with me, but I'll recap here what I can > glean about William Poythress from Heinegg's excellent books that I've > seen. I'm sure there are more references to William Poythress of Bertie > Co, NC than the this covers. > > In his book, Free African Americans of NC & VA Including the family > histories of more than 80% of those counted as "all other free persons" > in the 1790 & 1800 census (Baltimore: Clearfield Company, 1992) is the > only place I found William (logically, since as Heinegg told me later, > he later realized William was white, & he removed him from subsequent > books). > > In that book, the info on William Poythress was as shown in the next > paragraph. All counties Heinegg's paragraph mentions are NC counties; > I'm using abbreviations for months and for "county" & I'll insert his > source citations in brackets along with any comments I have. The > parenthesis about Outlaw is Heinegg's parenthetical note. At the > conclusion of his paragraph on William, Heinegg then indicated that > "Perhaps his children were Rachel Outlaw; Odam, born about 1755; and > Hardimon, born about 1757." Please note that this is the info corrected > by Heinegg in his later volumes; later he indicated NO parent's name for > Odam or Hardimon, and he had NO "Outlaw" listed. It seems to me that > Rachel Outlaw was likely the daughter of his neighbor; perhaps she > helped care for him at some point. > > Heinegg wrote: William Poythress of Bertie County purchased 100 acres on > Jumping Run adjacent to John Harrell on 8 Sep 1753 [Bertie Co, NC DB H, > p.42], and he and his wife, Sarah, sold this land three years later on > 21 Oct 1756 [Bertie Co, NC DB H, p.387]. He was called William Poythress > of Hertford Co on 9 Oct 1764 when he sold 140 acres in Bertie Co between > the lines of William and Thomas Outlaw [Bertie Co, NC DB K, p.481]. He > was ordered by the Feb 1764 Bertie Court to serve on the grand jury > [Bertie Co, NC County Court Minutes Bk III, p.647], and the same court > allowed him to keep a tavern at his dwelling house [Bertie Co, NC County > Court Minutes Bk III, p.648]. He won a judgment for 6 pounds 5 shillings > against William Bryan in the June 1765 Bertie Court [Bertie Co, NC > County Court Minutes Bk III, p.710]. In Dec 1768 he made a Northampton > Co deed of gift of household goods to Richard Outlaw for affection he > had for (his daughter?) Rachel Outlaw [4:196 -- this probably indicates > Heinegg was citing Northampton Co, NC Co DB 4, p.196, though I'm not > sure since I neglected to get the full citation for this one]. He was > taxed on 150 acres in Hertford Co in 1779 [GA 30.1 -- this is Heinegg's > citation for the NC Archives holding for this 1779 tax list -- see below > for more] > > = = = > 1779 Hertford Co, NC tax list: this is the earliest preserved tax list > for Hertford Co, which was formed in 759 from parts of Bertie, Chowan, & > Northampton counties. An in NC Genealogy, Summer 1967 issue (Vol. XIII, > No.2) listed only the names, with the caution that the original tax list > showed additional info: # acres of land; # slaves; money on hand; # > horses & cattle; and total amt of taxable property. In that abstract, > the name "Wm Poythress" is in Hertford County's 4th District on p.71 of > the tax list. > > > ==== POYTHRESS Mailing List ==== > Poythress Genealogy Research Web > www.poythress.net > >

Amazing! I had to keep dividing the remaining part to get it all to post. I tried the third part of the virtual census by twenty years and then by ten years. No go.....Mike ----- Original Message ----- From: "Barbara P. Neal" <bp_neal@earthlink.net> To: <POYTHRESS-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2006 12:15 PM Subject: Re: Francis Poythress, of Greene County, Georgia, Part 4 > Thanks so much, Mike, for getting us these 4 messages re Francis Poythress > of Greene Co, GA. Great work! > > > ==== POYTHRESS Mailing List ==== > Poythress Genealogy Research Web > www.poythress.net > >

After my posting last night "Publish & update it when new info is found" mentioning Paul Heinegg's books, one of our List subscribers asked me: "When Heinegg said that he realized that William Poythress, of Bertie County, was white, did he happen to mention what became of William or who William's children were?" Heinegg didn't address any of that with me, but I'll recap here what I can glean about William Poythress from Heinegg's excellent books that I've seen. I'm sure there are more references to William Poythress of Bertie Co, NC than the this covers. In his book, Free African Americans of NC & VA Including the family histories of more than 80% of those counted as "all other free persons" in the 1790 & 1800 census (Baltimore: Clearfield Company, 1992) is the only place I found William (logically, since as Heinegg told me later, he later realized William was white, & he removed him from subsequent books). In that book, the info on William Poythress was as shown in the next paragraph. All counties Heinegg's paragraph mentions are NC counties; I'm using abbreviations for months and for "county" & I'll insert his source citations in brackets along with any comments I have. The parenthesis about Outlaw is Heinegg's parenthetical note. At the conclusion of his paragraph on William, Heinegg then indicated that "Perhaps his children were Rachel Outlaw; Odam, born about 1755; and Hardimon, born about 1757." Please note that this is the info corrected by Heinegg in his later volumes; later he indicated NO parent's name for Odam or Hardimon, and he had NO "Outlaw" listed. It seems to me that Rachel Outlaw was likely the daughter of his neighbor; perhaps she helped care for him at some point. Heinegg wrote: William Poythress of Bertie County purchased 100 acres on Jumping Run adjacent to John Harrell on 8 Sep 1753 [Bertie Co, NC DB H, p.42], and he and his wife, Sarah, sold this land three years later on 21 Oct 1756 [Bertie Co, NC DB H, p.387]. He was called William Poythress of Hertford Co on 9 Oct 1764 when he sold 140 acres in Bertie Co between the lines of William and Thomas Outlaw [Bertie Co, NC DB K, p.481]. He was ordered by the Feb 1764 Bertie Court to serve on the grand jury [Bertie Co, NC County Court Minutes Bk III, p.647], and the same court allowed him to keep a tavern at his dwelling house [Bertie Co, NC County Court Minutes Bk III, p.648]. He won a judgment for 6 pounds 5 shillings against William Bryan in the June 1765 Bertie Court [Bertie Co, NC County Court Minutes Bk III, p.710]. In Dec 1768 he made a Northampton Co deed of gift of household goods to Richard Outlaw for affection he had for (his daughter?) Rachel Outlaw [4:196 -- this probably indicates Heinegg was citing Northampton Co, NC Co DB 4, p.196, though I'm not sure since I neglected to get the full citation for this one]. He was taxed on 150 acres in Hertford Co in 1779 [GA 30.1 -- this is Heinegg's citation for the NC Archives holding for this 1779 tax list -- see below for more] = = = 1779 Hertford Co, NC tax list: this is the earliest preserved tax list for Hertford Co, which was formed in 759 from parts of Bertie, Chowan, & Northampton counties. An in NC Genealogy, Summer 1967 issue (Vol. XIII, No.2) listed only the names, with the caution that the original tax list showed additional info: # acres of land; # slaves; money on hand; # horses & cattle; and total amt of taxable property. In that abstract, the name "Wm Poythress" is in Hertford County's 4th District on p.71 of the tax list.

After Francis Poythress' Death The 1805 lottery and 1807 lotteries completed the opening of the large valley area between the Oconee and the Ocmulgee Rivers. In 1807, the first meeting of the Georgia legislature took place at the new capital of Milledgeville in Baldwin County, another part of the westward thrust of settlement. Land awarded in the 1807 lottery was the remaining parts of Baldwin and Wilkinson Counties and Wayne County. Given was the name, county, military district/lot number drawn: Thomas Poythress, orphans of, Burke, Sharp's 22/44 Wilkinson; Francis Poythress, orphans of, Hancock, Coffee's 24/290 Wilkinson; and, Elizabeth Poythress, Hancock, Coffee's 6/31 Wilkinson. Francis Poythress, orphans of, grant award #278 of 24th District of Wilkinson County. All of District 24 is in present Twiggs County.

In the 1805 Georgia lottery, the names of every person who entered was recorded. In later lotteries, with a few exceptions, only the winners were listed. The land awarded in the 1805 lottery was then Baldwin and Wilkinson County. Given was the name, the registration number and the registrant's county: Edward Poythress, number 47, Burke; George Poythress, number 65, Burke; Martha Poythress, number 50, Burke; Francis Poythress, number 613, Hancock; Meredith Poythress, number 968, Screven; and, William Poythress, number 967, Screven. Adjoining property: On August 12, 1787, in Greene County, Georgia, 120 acres, on the waters of the south fork of Ogeechee, adjoining Francis Poythress. In August, 1787, in Greene County, Georgia, 200 acres, on the waters of the South Ogeechee, adjoining Poythress, Rogers, etc. On March 10, 1789, in Greene County, Georgia, 250 acres, on the South Fork of Ogeechee River, bounded by Francis Poythress, etc. On December 4, 1800, in Greene County, Georgia, 200 acres, adjoining Poythress.

On October 20, 1775, in the Virginia Gazette, "to be sold on Monday, 6 November, if fair, otherwise next fair day at the plantation of Mr. John Walton, near Augusta town, in Georgia, several slaves being residue of all those formerly in possession of Mr. Leonard Claiborne which were of the estate of Francis Poythress, deceased, and condemned to the plaintiffs in a suit in chancery October 15, 1764. Six months credit will be allowed the purchasers giving bond with approved security. William Glascock." In 1785, in Wilkes County, Georgia, Francis Poythress, was taxed for 100 acres in Washington County, Georgia. He was living west of the Ogeechee River, south of South Fork, therefore east of the "temporary line" considered by surveyors and residents of both Washington and Wilkes Counties to be the boundary between the two counties. The area was placed into Greene County on February 3, 1786. MP: This is assumed to be the same Francis Poythress based on location of property, see below. Also, from Early Records of Georgia, Wilkes County, Vols. 1 & 2, is listed "Francis Poythress 1 poll, 100 acres, Capt. Thompson's District, Benjamin J. Thompson, Esqr." On July 19, 1792, in Greene County, Georgia, Michael Rogers, of Greene County, planter, to Zachariah Bayes, of Wilkes County, planter; whereas Michael Rogers together with Francis Poythress, by their certain bond, dated February 22 last stand unto the said Bayes in the sum of £1,000 on condition that when Berry Rogers, son of the said Michael, comes of age shall relinquish all right, etc., to the said gift alluding to a deed or will made by said Boyes, as it is said, unto the said Berry of a negro man slave, named Osborn, and a girl, named Phillis, and sundry other articles which deed was made when the said Boyes was deprived of his reason by intoxication; the said Michael Rogers for £1,000 and for better securing the payment thereof in case said Berry Rogers shall neglect or refuse to disclaim all right to said negroes mentioned in the clandestine deed of gift dated October 26, 1791, and for securing the same in case Zachariah Boyes be disturbed by said Berry Rogers, and in consideration of the further sum of 5 shillings paid to Michael paid by Zachariah, 200 acres on the south fork of the Ogeechee whereon the said Rogers now resides adjoining the lands of Henry Peeks, Abraham Lawrance, John Rogers and Thomas Credile, also one negro boy, named Phill, horses and cattle. If the said Berry Rogers, shall within 10 years relinquish all claims to the aforesaid negroes, Osborn and Phillis, etc. The witnesses, John Armor, J. P., and Seaborn Jones. In 1793, in Greene County, Georgia, taxpayer, Francis Poythress, of Greene County, Georgia, on land adjoining John Johnston, in Captain Whitefield's District, Green County. On February 11, 1794, in Greene County, Georgia, Michel Rogers and Francis Poythress, of Greene County, promised to pay to Zachariah Bays, or his heirs, the sum of £100. The consideration of the above obligation is such that whereas there was a Deed of Gift on the record of Superior Court from the said Zachariah Bays for two negroes, Osborn and Phillis, to Berry Rogers, son of Michael Rogers, and Frances Porter shall in behalf of Berry Rogers when he shall come of age relinquish and disclaim all right title or demand of said Deed of Gift, then above obligation to be void. The witnesses were William Heard, and Wooton Oneal. And was proved by William Heard who also saw Wooton Oneal. On November 30, 1801, in Greene County, Georgia, 100 acres, on the waters of Shoulderbone Creek, bounded at the time of the survey by Poythress.

The numerous group of men named Francis Poythress make it an extreme challenge to separate their lives. In 1763, in Dinwiddie County, Leonard Claiborne, Jr., was involved in a case against the executors of a Francis Poythress. Many Claibornes and many Poythresses moved to Georgia. The Francis Poythress, Jr., mentioned in the 1763 cases in Dinwiddie County may have been the Francis Poythress that made the move to Georgia with his relatives, the Claibornes. In 1760, another familiar name, William Glascock, of Dinwiddie County, was mentioned in a deed that was witnessed by a Francis Poythress and a John Poythress. At first glance, it would appear that this Francis Poythress and this John Poythress were sons of John Poythress, Jr., and could possibly lead to the conclusion that Francis Poythress, Jr., was the grandson of John Poythress, Jr., and was the Francis Poythress that moved to Georgia. The Fifth Generation: Francis Poythress, of Greene County, Georgia Inheritance In 1763, in Dinwiddie County, the charges were denominated in pounds of tobacco, for which it was likely warehouse receipts were used to pay the bill. Robert Hutchings, Lunenburg County, February, 1763, order to abate suit versus F. Poythress. Leonard Claiborne, Jr., February, 1763, dismissed versus F. Poythress. May, 1763, judgement versus F. Poythress' executors. Francis Poythress, Prince George County, March, 1763, subpoena in Chancellory versus F. Poythress, Jr., docketing, attorney, continuance. June, 1763, continuance. August, 1763, continuance. October, 1763, continuance versus F. Poythress. William Black, March, 1763, subpoena for witnesses versus Poythress. June, 1763, order for attendance, trial, judgement, executive order, &c. July, 1763, executive order, &c., versus F. Poythress. September, 1763, executive order versus Do. February, 1764, executive order, &c. September, 1763, Writ of execution versus L. Claiborne, Jr., Special Bill for Poythress, docketing, attorney, dismissed, file papers. Peter Stainback, May, 1763, capias versus F. Poythress, docketing, attorney, declaration, dismissed, file papers; petition, &c., judgement versus Poythress and Rees, attorney. June, 1763, Capias versus Poythress, docketing, attorney, declaration, order to abate suit, file papers. Francis Poythress and John Evans, Prince George County, May, 1763, recording Jones' and wife's deed to you. Stephen Dance, June, 1763, attorney ads F. Poythress. Thomas Welch, assignee of Francis Poythress, May, 1763, continuance versus Smith's executors. November, 1763, judgement. Peter Bland and Co, Prince George County, order versus F. Poythress, plea. June, 1763, trial versus F. Poythress, judgement. July 2, 1763, executive order. Joseph Williamson, Brunswick County, June, 1763, continuance versus F. Poythress on petition. August, 1763, continuance. Judgement, November, 1763, executive order. Colonel John Jones, September, 1763, executive order, &c., versus F. Poythress. August, 1763, file deponents ads F. Poythress, copy four deponents. Edward Lewis, August, 1763, capias versus F. Poythress, docketing, declaration, dismissed. Francis Poythress, Peter Woodlief and wife, and Leonard Claiborne, Jr., and wife, August, 1763, continuance versus Ruffin. Adjoining Property On July 10, 1745, Burnell Claiborne, was granted 150 acres, in Prince George County, on both sides of the south side of the White Oak Swamp and bounded by Captain Francis Poythress' line, Fitzgerald's Mill Path, and Stewart's line. [September 22, 1739, originally adjoining Captain Francis Poythress and later, Francis Poythress, Gentleman.] On July 25, 1746, to Edward Thomas, 168 acres, in Prince George County, between Butterwood and Tommahitton Swamps, adjoining Eaton, Ornsby, Beal, Poythress and Fisher. On June 25, 1747, James Fisher, was granted 200 acres, in Prince George County, on the south side of Butterwood Swamp, adjoining William Eaton and Poythress. On June 13, 1752, Burnell Claiborne entered a caveat against Edmund Poythress concerning a grant of 400 acres on the Nottoway River, in Lunenburg County, on which the Virginia Council found that a patent should be issued to Francis Poythress, son and heir of Francis Poythress. On June 19, 1760, Matthew Ornsby, of Amelia County, to William Glascock, of Dinwiddie County, 400 acres, in Amelia County, on both sides of Butterwood Creek and bounded by John Lewis, Haynes, North Branch, George Lewis, Steger and Hood. The witnesses were Francis Poythress, John Poythress, James Hinton, John Hightower, Jr., and Edmund Poythress. Civic activities On October 4, 1787, in Greene County, Georgia, inventory and appraisement of the estate of Dorothy Ashield, deceased, given in by Francis Poythress, sworn appraisal. On April 17, 1788, in Greene County, Georgia, an account of the sale of the estate of Stephen Parker, late of Greene County, deceased, made by Captain James Alford, administrator, May 3, 1788. Persons sold to included Francis Poythress. Property: Personal Property In 1762, in Chesterfield County, Francis Poythress, was listed in the tithables. On July 23, 1765, in Chesterfield County, Francis Poythress, of Prince George County, sold to Thomas Walke, all my right in slaves now in possession of Hannah Poythress, Mary Poythress and Peter Woodlief, which were devised by my grandfather, after the death of his wife, to be divided among his children. Poythress acquits all of his right to said Walke. The witnesses were Peter Warren, Nicholas Sims, Robert Poole and Henry Warren. On May 10, 1768, in Dinwiddie County, Leonard Claiborne, 3,074 acres on the north side of Nammusseen Creek, in Dinwiddie and Amelia Counties, adjoining Robert Bolling, ------ Reese, ------ Hamlin, formerly granted to John Fitzgerald, the Elder, by patent, no date, for 2,836 acres. (From Norma Jean): Leonard Claiborne received grants for land in Georgia as did many earlier Poythress family members prior to 1803 via a headright system, which entitled each head of a family to 200 acres and 50 acres for each additional member of his family up to 1,000 acres. The land had to be surveyed and certified and a grant had to be issued and registered by a certain time frame. Records show that he was there in March, 1769, and was granted land in St. Paul's parish in September, 1769, for 850 acres (meaning 200 for him and 13 family members). By 1769, he had completed the grant procedure. Obtaining land in Georgia was changed to a lottery system after 1803. Georgia had operated a bit differently from Virginia's early land acquisitions. Those 13 family members may have included relatives living with Leonard. Besides his wife, and perhaps a child or two, there seems to be no evidence that he had enough children to account for that number. Regarding Georgia County locations, Georgia began in the Savannah area much like Virginia began in Jamestown. We gradually conquered and obtained lands and moved west and north. Eight parishes were formed in 1735, that included St. Paul's' between what is now Savannah and Augusta. By 1765, four more parishes were formed and eventually counties such as Greene, in 1786, from Washington County which was formed in 1784 from ceded land from the Creek Indians. These "counties" were all close enough for these people to travel and settle and still be related. Poythress families arriving in Georgia could have come from Virginia with Leonard and his Poythress wife, who appears to have been the daughter of Francis (deceased 1738) and Hannah.

Thanks so much, Mike, for getting us these 4 messages re Francis Poythress of Greene Co, GA. Great work!